Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Observational Ages 18 to 100

Using diaphragm ultrasound to predict respiratory complications after surgery

Official title: Diaphragm Dysfunction and Respiratory Complications in the Perioperative Setting- Can Diaphragm Ultrasound Aid Prediction?

Run by Karolinska University Hospital · NCT05906030 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using ultrasound to check diaphragm function can help predict breathing problems after major surgeries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
Enrollment160 (estimated)
SponsorKarolinska University Hospital
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Stockholm, Stockholm County and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2026
Study endsSeptember 1, 2027
Registry record updatedJanuary 29, 2025
Trial IDNCT05906030 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults scheduled for major elective abdominal, pelvic, or vascular surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 18 years old or those with chronic respiratory diseases may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between diaphragm function, as measured by ultrasound, and the occurrence of respiratory complications in patients undergoing major elective abdominal, pelvic, or vascular surgery. Diaphragm ultrasound will be performed both preoperatively and postoperatively to assess diaphragm thickening fraction, excursion, and density. The study will collect various physiological and laboratory parameters, along with data on surgery, anesthesia, and comorbidities, to correlate these with postoperative respiratory events such as pneumonia and desaturation. The goal is to identify predictive markers that could help mitigate complications following surgery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prediction and prevention of respiratory complications in postoperative patients.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using diaphragm ultrasound in the perioperative setting is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in predicting respiratory complications in other contexts.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Adults undergoing elective (study 1) or acute (study 2) abdominal, pelvic or vascular surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 years
* Underlying chronic respiratory disease
* Patients not able to give informed consent

Where it's running

  • Karolinska University Hospital, Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care
    Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Karolinska University Hospital
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.