RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06965712

Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to Reduce Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Heart Failure ( POCUSHF )

Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to Guide Fluid Management and Reduce Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Decompensated Heart Failure

Sponsor

Florida International University

Enrollment

66 participants

Start Date

Nov 24, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Heart Failure Decompensated Heart Failure Hospital Length of Stay

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

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 Criteria5

Age under 18 years.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Terminal illness with life expectancy \< 30 days.
Inability to obtain ultrasound images due to body habitus or other technical reasons.
Enrollment in another interventional clinical trial that could interfere with the outcomes of this study.

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.