Using ultrasound to diagnose acute dyspnea in emergency departments
Evaluation of the Feasibility and Accuracy of an Ultrasound Algorithm for Acute Dyspnea Diagnosis in the Emergency Department
This study is testing a new ultrasound tool to see if it can help doctors in emergency rooms better diagnose the causes of sudden breathing problems like heart failure, pneumonia, and lung disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 225 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Central Hospital, Nancy, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 7 sites (Châlons-en-Champagne and 6 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03691857 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a new ultrasound algorithm designed to improve the diagnosis of acute dyspnea in emergency departments. It focuses on three main causes of dyspnea: heart failure, pneumonia, and exacerbation of obstructive pulmonary disease. The algorithm's accuracy will be assessed by comparing ultrasound results with traditional diagnostic methods, and the feasibility of its implementation in emergency settings will also be evaluated. The study involves a multicenter approach, with ultrasound exams being conducted by trained physicians and analyzed by a centralized core laboratory.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are men and women aged 50 and older experiencing non-traumatic acute dyspnea in the emergency department.
Not a fit: Patients in cardiac arrest, persistent shock, or with severe cognitive impairment will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of acute dyspnea, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with this condition.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound in emergency settings is gaining traction, this specific algorithm for acute dyspnea diagnosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women ≥ 50 years old * Patients with non-traumatic acute dyspnea managed in the emergency department * Patients affiliated with a social security system Exclusion Criteria: * Patients in cardiac arrest * Patients in persistent shock * Patients with impaired consciousness (Glasgow Score\<9) * Patients with a history of thoracic surgery or pulmonary fibrosis * Dementia * Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome with ST elevation * Known current pregnancy * Patients under guardianship, trusteeship or legal protection
Where this trial is running
Châlons-en-Champagne and 6 other locations
- CH de Chalons en Champagne — Châlons-en-Champagne, France (Recruiting)
- Hôpital Simone Veil — Eaubonne, France (Recruiting)
- CHRU Nancy — Nancy, France (Recruiting)
- AP-HP - Hôpital Cochin — Paris, France (Recruiting)
- AP-HP - Hôpital Lariboisière — Paris, France (Recruiting)
- CH de Sarreguemines — Sarreguemines, France (Withdrawn)
- CHRU de Strasbourg, Hôpital de Hautepierre — Strasbourg, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tahar CHOUIHED, MD — Central Hospital, CHRU de Nancy, France
- Study coordinator: Tahar CHOUIHED, MD
- Email: t.chouihed@chru-nancy.fr
- Phone: (0)3 83 85 14 96
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.