In addition, in a post-hoc analysis, treatment with rolofylline was associated with a trend towards reduced 60-day mortality or hospital readmission for cardiovascular or renal causes. Rolofylline increases renal blood flow and urine production by blocking adenosine-mediated vasoconstriction of the afferent arterioles of the kidneys and inhibiting salt and water reabsorption by the kidney.
Barry Massie, lead investigator of the study, said: “Preserving kidney function is an important goal for improving the prognosis of patients with acute heart failure. We now need to assess in larger clinical trials whether rolofylline can positively affect acute symptoms of heart failure and help preserve renal function.”