Using lung ultrasound to detect fluid overload in severe preeclampsia

Usefulness of Lung Ultrasound for the Detection of Volume Overload in Patients With Severe Preeclampsia

This project will test whether bedside lung ultrasound can find and monitor fluid buildup (pulmonary edema) in people with severe preeclampsia.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 202 (estimated)
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Saint Thomas Hospital, Panama (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Panama City, Provincia de Panamá)
• Trial ID: NCT07261956 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, longitudinal observational study with a diagnostic validation component enrolling patients with severe preeclampsia. Each participant will receive a clinical exam and an eight-zone lung ultrasound to count B-lines, a sonographic sign of interstitial pulmonary edema. Data will be collected at admission, within 24 hours after delivery, and again 7–10 days postpartum to track changes over time. Lung ultrasound findings will be compared with clinical signs and symptoms of volume overload.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Pregnant people between 24 and 41 weeks gestation diagnosed with severe preeclampsia who do not have chronic lung disease or known heart disease, have BMI ≤ 40, and are not in immediate need of delivery.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic lung disease, known cardiac disease, existing diagnosed pulmonary edema at admission, BMI > 40, or those requiring immediate delivery are excluded and may not benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a fast, noninvasive way to detect and monitor pulmonary edema, helping clinicians treat fluid overload earlier and potentially reduce maternal complications.

How similar studies have performed: Lung ultrasound and B-line counting have shown promise in detecting pulmonary edema in heart failure and some obstetric cohorts, but evidence specific to severe preeclampsia remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Preeclampsia with severe features.
* Gestational age 24 weeks - 41 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic lung disease.
* Known heart disease.
* Diagnosis of lung edema at admission
* Body mass index \> 40
* Need for immediate delivery

Where this trial is running

Panama City, Provincia de Panamá

• Saint Thomas Hospital — Panama City, Provincia de Panamá, Panama (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Anna C Figueroa, MD

Conditions Pulmonary Edema - Acute; Preeclampsia; Pulmonary edema; Severe preeclampsia; B lines; Lung ultrasound