Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess kidney function in ICU patients

The Application of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in Acute Kidney Injury in Intensive Care Unit

Observational Peking University Third Hospital · NCT06341062

This study is testing whether a special type of ultrasound can help doctors understand kidney function better in ICU patients with acute kidney injury.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeking University Third Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06341062 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to quantitatively evaluate changes in renal microcirculation using contrast-enhanced ultrasound in patients diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI) within 24 hours of ICU admission. It will also assess systemic hemodynamic information through ultrasound Doppler simultaneously, analyzing the relationship between these two factors. The study seeks to identify quantitative parameters that reflect renal microcirculation changes and their predictive value for renal function recovery in critically ill patients. By employing advanced ultrasound techniques, the research hopes to enhance understanding of kidney function dynamics in an ICU setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have been diagnosed with acute kidney injury within 24 hours of ICU admission and are expected to stay in the ICU for at least 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with severe chronic kidney disease, those undergoing hemodialysis, or individuals with certain contraindications to contrast agents will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the ability to predict renal recovery in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in renal assessment is established, the specific application in acute kidney injury within ICU settings is relatively novel and may provide new insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 years old;
* AKI was diagnosed \< 24 hours after first admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and the expected length of stay in ICU ≥48 hours;
* Meet Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 diagnostic criteria for acute kidney injury;
* Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed within 24 hours after diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known severe chronic kidney disease (CKD≥ stage 4) or undergoing hemodialysis treatment;
* Kidney transplantation or renal malignancy;
* Terminal stage of malignant tumor;
* Pregnancy;
* Renal artery stenosis or renal vein thrombosis;
* Allergy to contrast agent SonoVue(BraccoSpA, Milan, Italy) or its components, or the presence of severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency (e.g., right-to-left shunt heart disease or pulmonary systolic blood pressure \>90mmHg).

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 Intensive Care UnitAcute Kidney InjuryUltrasound
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.