Pilot Trial Comparing VeXUS Score Guided Fluid Removal to Usual Care for Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery

What this Trial Is About

This trial investigates fluid removal guided by the VeXUS score compared to usual care in patients who develop acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. Acute kidney injury is common after cardiac surgery and linked to higher mortality and long-term kidney problems. Managing fluids is difficult because both too little and too much fluid can harm the kidneys. The VeXUS ultrasound score assesses venous congestion, a factor in kidney injury, and may help guide fluid removal to support kidney recovery. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives fluid management guided by daily VeXUS ultrasound scores during the first three days after surgery, with diuretics given to promote fluid removal if the score is high. The other group receives usual care with fluid management decided by the attending physician, who does not know the VeXUS score. Fluid removal is adjusted to avoid serious side effects like metabolic disturbances or low blood pressure. During the study, participants have daily ultrasound assessments and frequent monitoring of kidney function, fluid status, and blood chemistry. Researchers will evaluate feasibility of this approach within 48 hours of inclusion and track kidney outcomes and safety events up to 30 days after surgery. The total participation spans several weeks with regular clinical assessments to measure kidney recovery and complications.

Fluid-removal Guided by VeXUS Score With Usual Care in Patients With Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery