Effectiveness of goreisan–jiinkokato combination for an elderly patient with heart failure: A case report

ABSTRACT Case The patient was a 93‐year‐old female with a clinical diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Drainage was performed by standard treatment, but pleural effusion and congestive heart failure persisted. In addition, intravascular dehydration occurred. Drainage with standard treatment was considered difficult; hence, goreisan and jiinkokato administration was initiated. Outcome A decrease in pleural effusion, extracellular water/total body water ratio (63.3% versus 60.8%), and serum B‐type natriuretic peptide level (231.1 versus 194.7 pg/mL) was noted after goreisan and jiinkokato administration. Moreover, serum sodium level and osmolality decreased from 151 to 132 mEq/L and 333 to 288 mOsm/L, respectively. Similarly, body temperature decreased considerably. Conversely, body weight increased from 40.9 to 45.8 kg. Based on the abovementioned facts, we believe that congestive heart failure and intravascular dehydration may have been alleviated, thereby correcting the uneven fluid distribution. Conclusions Goreisan–jiinkokato combination therapy may be effective for the treatment of elderly patients with heart failure.