Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to Guide Fluid Management and Reduce Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Decompensated Heart Failure
Florida International University
Summary
This study will evaluate whether using bedside ultrasound (also called Point-of-Care Ultrasound or POCUS) can help improve the care of hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure. Patients will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will receive ultrasound-guided assessments, and the other group will receive standard clinical evaluations. Researchers will compare the hospital length of stay between the two groups. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, safe, and painless imaging tool. The goal of the study is to find out if ultrasound guidance can lead to shorter hospitalizations and better care for patients with heart failure.
Description
This clinical trial aims to determine whether the use of bedside ultrasound (also called Point-of-Care Ultrasound, or POCUS) can improve the management of patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure. Traditional methods for assessing heart failure patients rely heavily on physical examination and imaging tests such as chest X-rays, which may not always accurately reflect a patient's volume status. POCUS provides real-time information at the bedside, allowing clinicians to assess lung congestion and venous volume status quickly and non-invasively. Participants in this study will be…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 years and older. Hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of decompensated heart failure (left, right, or biventricular). Evidence of volume overload or congestion based on Framingham criteria, clinical examination, elevated proBNP (\>1000 pg/mL), or chest X-ray showing pulmonary edema. Ability to undergo bedside ultrasound evaluation (POCUS) as clinically feasible. Able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Age under 18 years. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Terminal illness with life expectancy \< 30 days. Inability to obtain ultrasound i…
Interventions
- DevicePoint-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Participants assigned to this group will receive Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) evaluations of the lungs and inferior vena cava (IVC) during their hospital stay. The ultrasound will be performed twice: once within 24 hours of hospital admission and once prior to hospital discharge. The POCUS findings will be used to guide clinical management decisions regarding fluid status and decongestion therapy in patients with decompensated heart failure. The procedure is non-invasive, radiation-free, and performed at the bedside.
Location
- Jackson Memorial HospitalMiami, Florida