[Cardiorenal physiopathology and heart failure: current aspects and therapeutic prospects].

The heart and the kidney exert a reciprocal control of their function in order to maintain a steady state of haemodynamics, both in physiological and pathological conditions. The functional relationship between the two organs becomes particularly evident during heart failure. The knowledge of such relationship may play an important role in the management of heart failure. We also report here our experience in the treatment of congestive heart failure with depletive techniques vicarious of kidney function.