Ultrasound Evaluation for Acute Kidney Injury

(USE-the-FORCE Trial)

This trial tests whether ultrasound (an imaging technique using sound waves) can help doctors manage fluid treatment for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) more effectively. The goal is to determine if ultrasounds can predict which patients might experience complications from fluid treatments, aiding doctors in making informed decisions. One group will receive usual care, while the other will undergo an ultrasound assessment to guide treatment (ultrasound evaluation of fluid tolerance). Patients admitted to the hospital with AKI who are not in intensive care may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future AKI treatment strategies.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that using Point-Of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) to check fluid levels in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is generally safe. POCUS allows doctors to see inside the body using sound waves. Studies indicate it can help doctors make better decisions about fluid treatment, reducing the risk of complications like fluid overload.

No specific information exists about side effects or risks from the ultrasound itself. Ultrasound is a common and non-invasive procedure, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or entering the body. It is well-tolerated and not known to cause harm.

Researchers are excited about using ultrasound evaluations for acute kidney injury because it introduces a new way to assess fluid tolerance quickly and non-invasively. Unlike standard methods that rely heavily on lab tests and clinical judgment, this approach provides real-time, expert-interpreted ultrasound data on the abdomen and thorax. This detailed imaging helps doctors make more informed decisions about fluid administration, potentially reducing the risks associated with misjudging a patient's fluid needs.

This trial will compare usual care with management that uses information from Point-Of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Research has shown that POCUS might help doctors identify patients with sudden kidney problems who are at high risk of complications from fluid treatment. This could assist doctors in making better decisions about fluid administration. POCUS provides detailed information that can help avoid issues like fluid overload by assessing a patient's fluid tolerance. However, it is not yet proven that using this information changes how doctors treat AKI or prevents these problems. Early findings suggest that POCUS might improve patient outcomes, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in this area.¹³⁴⁶⁷