Using ultrasound to predict ICU admission for sepsis patients in the emergency department

The Use of Point of Care Ultrasound to Predict Intensive Care Unit Admission of Patients Presenting With Sepsis to the Emergency Department

Observational Northwell Health · NCT05544903

This study tests if using an ultrasound device on sepsis patients in the emergency room can help predict if they will need to be admitted to the ICU or face other serious outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNorthwell Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Manhasset, New York)
Trial IDNCT05544903 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will apply the FloPatch device to 150 patients presenting with sepsis in the emergency department before they receive fluid resuscitation. It aims to determine if the initial measurements of volume-responsiveness and the volume of fluids administered can predict outcomes such as mortality, ICU admission, or activation of a rapid response team. The study will also evaluate how fluid unresponsiveness develops during the initial resuscitation and its correlation with these outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are emergency department patients aged 18 and older with signs of sepsis, such as low blood pressure and elevated heart rate.

Not a fit: Patients who are already intubated, ventilator-dependent, or pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve early identification and management of sepsis, potentially reducing mortality and the need for intensive care.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using ultrasound for similar predictive purposes in sepsis management, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Emergency department patient
* 18+ years old
* Systolic blood pressure less than 100mmHg
* Respiratory rate greater than 22 breaths per minutes
* Temperature greater than 38 degrees Celsius or less than 36 degrees Celsius
* Heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute

Exclusion Criteria:

* Already intubated prior to emergency department arrival
* Ventilator-dependent
* Patients transferred from another hospital
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Manhasset, New York

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 Sepsis
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.