Ultrasound Assessment to Predict Hospital Readmission and Mortality in Adults with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand the role of ultrasound assessments in predicting outcomes for adults hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure ADHF. The study observes 580 patients admitted with this condition to evaluate if combined ultrasound measures of venous and lung congestion at discharge can forecast readmission for heart failure and death within 90 days. This observational study is conducted by Aarhus University Hospital to improve understanding of post-hospital risks in ADHF. Participants will undergo ultrasound assessments during their hospital stay at specific times within 48 hours of admission, when their diuretic treatment changes from intravenous to oral, and on the day they are discharged. The main focus is on the discharge ultrasound results, which will be used to predict outcomes. Throughout the study, treating doctors will not see the ultrasound findings to avoid influencing care. During and after hospitalization, patients will be followed up by telephone and medical record review for 90 days to track heart failure readmission and mortality. Some secondary outcomes, such as days alive outside the hospital and diuretic use, will be reviewed up to one year after discharge. This study collects clinical data and ultrasound measurements to explore how well these tools predict patient outcomes and guide future care strategies.

Assessment of Residual Congestion in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure