Evaluation of Fibroscan® Performance in Diagnosing Acute Heart Failure in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
This study aims to discover if a quick, non-invasive scan called Fibroscan® can help emergency doctors identify acute heart failure more effectively. Acute heart failure can cause breathing problems, often because fluid builds up, including in the liver. Current tests can sometimes be slow or not entirely accurate in emergencies. Fibroscan® was originally designed to check for liver problems, but research suggests it might also detect liver congestion caused by heart failure. By quickly measuring how stiff the liver is, doctors hope it could provide rapid information about how much fluid has built up in the body. This could lead to quicker diagnosis and better care for patients arriving at the hospital with breathing difficulties.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people come to the emergency department feeling very breathless, acute heart failure is a common cause. This happens when the heart can't pump blood around the body as well as it should, leading to fluid building up, particularly in the lungs and sometimes in other organs like the liver. Doctors need to diagnose this quickly so they can start the right treatment.
Currently, doctors use a combination of checks, blood tests, and scans like X-rays or ultrasound. However, these can sometimes take time to get results, or might not always give a clear picture straight away, especially in a fast-paced emergency setting. This study is exploring a new way to help speed up this process.
Researchers are investigating a device called Fibroscan®. This is a non-invasive (meaning it doesn't involve needles or cuts) scan that was originally made to check for liver scarring. However, recent studies suggest it might also be useful for detecting when the liver is congested with fluid because of heart failure. If successful, this simple, quick scan could offer doctors in the emergency department a rapid way to understand if a patient's breathing problems are linked to acute heart failure, potentially leading to faster and more effective care.
Key takeaways
- This study is testing a quick, non-invasive scan called Fibroscan®.
- It aims to help doctors diagnose acute heart failure faster in emergencies.
- Fibroscan® measures liver stiffness, which can indicate fluid build-up from heart failure.
- It's a diagnostic study, not a treatment study.
- Participation involves a simple, painless scan on your abdomen.
- Findings could improve future emergency care for breathlessness.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and arrive at the emergency department with sudden breathing difficulties where the cause isn't already clear (like a collapsed lung, pneumonia, or a heart attack).
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you already have a known serious liver condition or have had a liver transplant. You also can't participate if you have skin wounds on your belly where the scan would be done, have very poor kidney function, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are already taking part in another clinical trial where you're trying out a new treatment.
Additionally, individuals who are under legal protection where someone else makes decisions for them, or who are deprived of their freedom, cannot take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or over?
- Are you in the emergency department with sudden breathing difficulties where the cause isn't yet known?
- Do you have severe kidney disease (eGFR <30 mL/min)? (If yes, you can't join)
- Do you have a known chronic liver disease or liver transplant? (If yes, you can't join)
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? (If yes, you can't join)
- Are you currently taking part in another medical trial involving a new treatment? (If yes, you can't join)
What does participation involve?
This study involves a simple, non-invasive scan using the Fibroscan® device. This device will gently touch your skin on your abdomen to measure your liver stiffness. There are no medications involved in this study. The scan itself is quick and will be done as part of your assessment in the emergency department. There is no long-term follow-up specific to the study, beyond your usual medical care for your condition.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Name: Emergency Department Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHPVerified postcodeParis, France
Common questions
What is acute heart failure?
Acute heart failure means your heart can't pump enough blood around your body, often leading to fluid build-up, especially in your lungs, causing breathlessness.
What is Fibroscan®?
Fibroscan® is a non-invasive device, like an ultrasound, that measures the stiffness of your liver. It's painless and quick.
Why is liver stiffness important for heart failure?
When the heart struggles, blood can back up, leading to fluid build-up and congestion in organs like the liver, which can make it stiffer.
Is this study giving me new treatment?
No, this study is only testing a diagnostic tool (Fibroscan®) to see if it helps identify acute heart failure quicker. It does not involve new treatments.
Will my doctors use the Fibroscan® results to treat me?
The information from the Fibroscan® in this study is for research, to see if it's a useful diagnostic tool. Your doctors will continue to use standard methods to guide your treatment.
How to find out more
Amélie VROMANT, Medical Doctor
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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