Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Heart Failure

(POCUSHF Trial)

Overseen By FIU TEAM F

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Florida International University

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: Up to 30 days

66 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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.

Research Team

GUILLERMO IZQUIERDO PRETEL, MD

Principal Investigator

Florida International University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure. It's designed to see if using bedside ultrasound can improve their care and reduce the time they spend in the hospital.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to undergo bedside ultrasound evaluation (POCUS) as clinically feasible

I show signs of fluid buildup in my body or lungs.

Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Terminal illness with life expectancy < 30 days

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Treatment

Participants receive either POCUS-guided evaluations or standard clinical evaluations during hospitalization

Up to 30 days

2 visits (in-person) for POCUS group

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for 30-day readmission rates after discharge

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

Trial Overview The study compares two groups: one receiving ultrasound-guided assessments (POCUS) and another getting standard clinical evaluations, to determine if POCUS leads to shorter hospital stays for heart failure patients.

Participant Groups

Group I: POCUS-Guided Evaluation Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive bedside Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) evaluations of the lungs and inferior vena cava (IVC) twice during hospitalization, once within 24 hours of admission and once prior to discharge. Ultrasound findings will be used to guide fluid management decisions.

Group II: Standard Clinical Evaluation Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive standard clinical care without bedside ultrasound guidance. Clinical evaluation and management will be based on physical examination, chest X-rays, laboratory results, and physician judgment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Florida International University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

114

Recruited

19,400+