Assessing venous congestion and lung health in critically ill patients undergoing kidney therapy

Venous Excess and Lung Ultrasound During Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients (VExLUS-KRT)

Observational Chulalongkorn University · NCT06254703

This study is testing a new way to use ultrasound to see if fluid buildup in the body affects lung health in critically ill patients with kidney failure who are receiving kidney treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChulalongkorn University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bangkok)
Trial IDNCT06254703 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on critically ill patients with acute kidney failure who are undergoing continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT). It employs a novel approach using venous excess lung ultrasound (VexLUS) to evaluate venous congestion and its impact on lung health. By utilizing point-of-care ultrasound techniques, the study aims to enhance the understanding of fluid overload and its effects on organ function. The study will involve monitoring various parameters, including abdominal blood flow and lung ultrasound findings, to assess the severity of venous congestion and its correlation with acute kidney injury.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are admitted to the ICU and are planned to initiate continuous kidney replacement therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with end-stage kidney disease, those on kidney replacement therapy prior to ICU admission, or those with severe comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of fluid overload in critically ill patients, potentially reducing complications and improving outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound in assessing fluid status is established, the specific application of the VexLUS grading system in this context is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults (≥ 18 years of age)
2. Admitted to ICU
3. Plan to initiate CKRT by clinician's judgement

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Refuse to participate
2. Previous diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) currently on kidney replacement therapy
3. Kidney tran splant recipient
4. Receive KRT before ICU admission
5. Structural kidney diseases which will interfere with intrarenal doppler ultrasound e.g. renal artery stenosis, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease etc.
6. Patients with previously known conditions that interfere with portal doppler assessment, namely liver cirrhosis, severe tricuspid regurgitation with structural heart disease or massive ascites.
7. Underlying disease process with a life expectancy less than 90 days
8. Pregnancy
9. Concomitant severe respiratory distress syndrome
10. Expected life expectancy \<48 hours
11. Receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

Where this trial is running

Bangkok

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Kidney Failure Stage 3Acute kidney injuryVexLUSCritically illKidney replacement therapyContinuous kidney replacement therapyPOCUS
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.