Using ultrasound and fluid therapy to prevent low blood pressure after spinal anesthesia in elderly patients with heart conditions

Point of Care Ultrasound and Fluids Co-loading for the Prevention of Spinal-induced Hypotension in Dehydrated Elderly Patients and Cardiac Diseases

Observational Attikon Hospital · NCT06206434

This study is testing if using ultrasound and giving fluids can help older patients with heart problems avoid low blood pressure after receiving spinal anesthesia for hip surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages70 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorAttikon Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Athens)
Trial IDNCT06206434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on elderly patients over 70 years old with cardiac diseases who are undergoing orthopedic surgery for proximal femur fractures under spinal anesthesia. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) and fluid co-loading in reducing the incidence of spinal-induced hypotension. Patients are screened based on specific cardiovascular criteria and undergo various preoperative assessments, including echocardiography, to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. The study will monitor hemodynamic stability and postoperative outcomes to determine the impact of the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients over 70 years old with a specific dIVCmax-to-IVCCI ratio and compensated cardiac disease.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiac conditions, significant valve regurgitation, or those experiencing intraoperative hypotension due to bleeding will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of postoperative complications related to hypotension in vulnerable elderly patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of POCUS in similar contexts has shown promise, this specific approach combining fluid co-loading and ultrasound in this patient population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All the included patients have BUN-to-creatinne ratio\>20
* LV-EF between 35% and 50%
* Normal RV function indices \[tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) index \> 16 and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) \> 10 cm/sec and fractional area change (FAC) \> 35%)\]

Exclusion Criteria:

* Poor acoustic windows,
* Tthose who were included during the initial screening, but they finally found with pulmonary hypertension (peak tricuspid velocity \> 3.4 m/sec), tricuspid/mitral/pulmonary valve regurgitation grade 3 or 4, severe aortic/mitral valve stenosis, and severe mitral annulus calcification on the preoperative echocardiogram.
* All patients with maximum cephalad dermatomal extension of the spinal sensory block below T12 or arterial hypotension related to overt intraoperative bleeding (\>150 cc) are excluded.
* Intraoperrative hypotension due to bleeding and cement placement

Where this trial is running

Athens

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 Fluid TherapyDehydration
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.