Using D-dimer to improve patient discharge in emergency departments
Use of D-dimers in the Emergency Department to Identify Adult Patients at Very Low Risk of Mortality for Fast-track Treatment - a Randomized Controlled Study
This study tests if checking D-dimer levels can help doctors quickly identify low-risk patients in emergency departments who don't need to stay in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1538 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Odense University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Esbjerg, Syd and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06219486 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the use of D-dimer levels to identify low-risk patients in emergency departments who may not require hospitalization. By conducting a multicenter randomized controlled trial, the researchers will assess whether providing D-dimer results influences the time to discharge disposition by physicians. The study focuses on patients with non-specific complaints who are stable upon arrival and have normal vital signs. The goal is to streamline patient care and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and above who present with non-specific complaints and have stable vital signs.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable conditions requiring immediate care or those classified as triage level red will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster discharge times and more efficient use of emergency department resources.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that normal D-dimer levels correlate with low risk of significant disease, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 or above * Able to provide oral and written informed consent in Danish * Blood tests ordered on arrival as part of standard of care * Ambulatory on arrival or walking to the ambulance (i.e., stable independent gait) * Normal vital signs (i.e., National Early Warning Score \< 3) Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable condition requiring immediate care in the resuscitation area * Triage level red (i.e., the most urgent patients) * Trauma (minor and major) patients * High likelihood of requiring a D-dimer analysis on clinical indications during the current hospital contact (e.g., suspected venous thromboembolic disease) that will be ordered on arrival regardless of this study * Previous participation in the study
Where this trial is running
Esbjerg, Syd and 1 other locations
- Esbjerg Hospital — Esbjerg, Syd, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Odense University Hospital — Odense, Syd, Denmark (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mette Løkke, RN
- Email: mette.loekke@rsyd.dk
- Phone: 4551730068
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.