What is this study trying to find out about dyspnea?

This study aims to see if point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by emergency doctors with limited ultrasound training can improve diagnosis of causes of shortness of breath. The research compares diagnostic accuracy before and after using ultrasound to help emergency physicians. It is led by Region Skane to better understand how POCUS may support timely treatment.

Who may be eligible for this dyspnea clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 years or older who come to the Emergency Department with serious breathing problems such as shortness of breath, low oxygen levels, or rapid breathing may be eligible. The study accepts all genders. Patients who need urgent care that could be delayed or those discharged without hospital admission are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this dyspnea clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the ultrasound and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, any personal travel or other expenses related to attending the Emergency Department may not be covered. Participants can expect the study procedures to be integrated with their usual emergency care.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID05782478

Evaluating the Added Diagnostic Value of Point-of-Care Ultrasound by Emergency Physicians in Adults with Acute Dyspnea

Led by Region Skane · Updated on 2025-07-16

160

Participants Needed

Research Sites

8 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a common and urgent problem in the Emergency Department that requires quick and accurate diagnosis to ensure timely treatment. Researchers are evaluating whether point-of-care ultrasound POCUS, performed by emergency medicine specialists and residents with limited ultrasound training, can improve diagnostic accuracy for patients with dyspnea compared to routine assessments. This study focuses on several important diagnoses such as heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and exacerbations of chronic lung diseases. In this prospective observational study, specially trained emergency physicians will use a structured ultrasound protocol to examine the lungs, heart, and inferior vena cava of adult patients presenting with severe dyspnea or low oxygen levels. After an initial routine clinical assessment, the physician will estimate the likelihood of key diagnoses. Following this, a certified colleague will perform POCUS and share the results, allowing the initial physician to update their diagnostic estimates. Additional tests like chest imaging and blood markers will also be collected as part of routine care. Participants will be adults arriving with serious respiratory distress or hypoxia in the Emergency Department. Researchers will compare the diagnostic accuracy before and after POCUS by reviewing the final discharge diagnosis. Outcome measures include sensitivity and specificity of diagnoses such as heart failure and pneumonia. Safety is monitored by ensuring no delay in urgent care, and all patients will undergo routine clinical testing. The study aims to improve diagnostic tools for emergency doctors and enhance patient care during acute breathlessness episodes.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Added Diagnostic Value of Point of Care Ultrasound in Acute Dyspnea

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department within the highest or second highest triage category
Presenting with shortness of breath
Oxygen saturation less than 90% on room air
Respiratory rate more than 25 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation less than 95% on room air

You will not qualify if you...

Inclusion in the study will delay urgent interventions
Patient is discharged from the Emergency Department without hospital admission

Research Team

Jakob Lundager Forberg, PhD,MD

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