POCUS-Guided Diuresis for Heart Failure
(POCUSHF-GD Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since the study involves treatment with intravenous diuretics, it's best to discuss your current medications with the study team to ensure there are no conflicts.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment POCUS-Assessed Diuretic Management for heart failure?
Research shows that using point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) can help doctors better assess fluid levels in patients with heart failure, which can improve the management of diuretic therapy. This approach has been shown to help identify and monitor congestion, leading to more effective treatment.12345
Is POCUS-Guided Diuresis for Heart Failure safe for humans?
How is POCUS-Assessed Diuretic Management different from other heart failure treatments?
POCUS-Assessed Diuretic Management is unique because it uses point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) to visually assess and guide the treatment of fluid overload in heart failure patients. This approach allows for real-time monitoring of fluid status and helps tailor diuretic therapy more precisely compared to traditional methods that rely on physical examination and standard lab tests.123910
What is the purpose of this trial?
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the body. This can cause problems such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and extreme tiredness. In severe cases, these symptoms worsen to the point where hospitalization is required. Unfortunately, many patients with severe heart failure are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after discharge, which is both physically and emotionally challenging for patients and places a significant financial burden on individuals and the healthcare system.Although symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swelling may improve during the hospital stay, some patients are discharged with excess fluid remaining in their bodies. This retained fluid often causes symptoms to worsen, leading to subsequent hospital readmissions. Inadequate management of fluid levels can also harm the kidneys, further complicating the patient's condition.This study aims to improve care for heart failure patients by utilizing a simple, non-invasive tool to assess fluid levels more accurately at the bedside. The tool measures the size of a large blood vessel in the neck, providing key information about the pressure inside the heart. This information enables clinicians to determine the appropriate amount of medication needed to remove just the right amount of fluid. Properly managing fluid levels can help prevent kidney damage and improve overall patient outcomes.The primary goal of this study is to evaluate whether this tool can reduce the number of patients readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. A secondary goal is to determine whether the tool can help protect kidney function by allowing for better fluid management. If successful, this approach has the potential to help heart failure patients stay healthier, reduce hospital visits, and lower healthcare costs.
Research Team
John J Pacella, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for heart failure patients at risk of hospital readmission due to fluid buildup. It's aimed at those who could benefit from improved fluid management to prevent kidney damage and reduce readmissions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive POCUS-guided diuretic management or standard diuretic treatment during hospitalization
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, focusing on readmission rates and kidney function
Extension
Long-term monitoring of participants for additional outcomes such as mortality and renal function
Treatment Details
Interventions
- POCUS-Assessed Diuretic Management
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
American Heart Association
Collaborator