Neck (internal jugular) ultrasound to check fluid levels in people on haemodialysis

Internal Jugular Vein Ultrasound for Volume Status Assessment in Haemodialysis

Observational University of Bologna · NCT07438613

This project will test whether a quick ultrasound of the internal jugular vein can tell if people on chronic haemodialysis have too much or too little fluid.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Bologna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT07438613 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will use point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to image the internal jugular vein in patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis and record measures such as vein size and collapsibility. Ultrasound measurements will be taken alongside routine dialysis sessions and recorded clinical parameters. This observational protocol will compare ultrasound findings with standard dialysis data and bedside clinical assessments. The aim is to see if internal jugular vein POCUS gives reliable, actionable information about volume status at the bedside.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults receiving chronic haemodialysis who undergo ultrafiltrative treatment and can give informed consent and comply with bedside ultrasound procedures.

Not a fit: People not receiving ultrafiltrative dialysis or those unable to comply with the ultrasound protocol are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a quick, noninvasive bedside tool to guide fluid removal and reduce fluid-related complications in haemodialysis patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies of internal jugular and inferior vena cava ultrasound have shown mixed but promising results for estimating intravascular volume, so the approach has some supporting evidence though is not fully validated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic haemodialysis
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non ultrafiltrative treatment
* Insufficient compliance

Where this trial is running

Bologna

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 HaemodialysisVolume AssessmentPoint of Care Ultrasoundhaemodialysisvolume assessmentPoCUS
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.