Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Prospective Validation of the CoDE-HF Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Acute Heart Failure

This important study is looking into a new computer tool called CoDE-HF. Acute heart failure is a serious condition where your heart suddenly struggles to pump blood effectively. It can be tricky to diagnose quickly because its symptoms often look like other problems, and getting a fast, accurate diagnosis is very important for better health outcomes. The CoDE-HF tool uses a special computer program to combine a blood test result (called NT-proBNP) with other information about the patient. This helps it work out how likely it is that someone has acute heart failure. Researchers hope this tool will help doctors in A&E departments make quicker and more accurate diagnoses for people with suspected heart failure.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

3,808

Start

25 Apr 2021

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2028

Acute Heart Failure Diagnosis

What is this study about?

When your heart suddenly can't pump enough blood around your body, it's called acute heart failure. This is a very serious condition that needs urgent medical attention. However, it can be quite tricky for doctors to diagnose quickly because many of its symptoms — like breathlessness — can also be caused by other health problems. We know from past research that getting the right diagnosis quickly is really important for someone's recovery and overall health. Unfortunately, delays can lead to worse outcomes.

To help with this, we developed a special computer-based tool called CoDE-HF. Think of it like a smart assistant for doctors. It takes information from a blood test (called NT-proBNP, which helps show how much strain your heart is under) and combines it with other important details about the patient. Using this combination, the tool then calculates how likely it is that an individual has acute heart failure.

In this study, we want to see how well our CoDE-HF tool works in real life. We'll be looking at about 2,000 patients who come to the Emergency Department because they are very breathless, and doctors suspect they might have acute heart failure. By carefully evaluating this tool, we hope to show that it can help doctors make faster and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately leading to better care for patients when every minute counts.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new tool to help diagnose acute heart failure.
A quick and accurate diagnosis of acute heart failure is very important.
The tool combines a blood test with other patient details.
It aims to improve diagnosis for patients arriving at A&E.
Your medical care will not change if you are part of this study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who come to the Emergency Department because they are suddenly very breathless. The doctors at the hospital would then suspect they might have a serious heart condition.

To be included, you need to be 18 years old or older. The study is open to both men and women, and people of all genders.

Basically, if you are an adult who arrives at A&E with sudden breathing difficulties that make doctors consider acute heart failure, you might be suitable for this study.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you come to the Emergency Department recently?
Did you experience sudden breathlessness?
Did your doctors suspect you might have acute heart failure?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you won't need to do anything extra. This isn't a study where you'd be asked to take a new medication or have extra tests. The doctors will continue to look after you as they normally would. The researchers will simply use some leftover blood from the blood tests you’ve already had as part of your usual care. They will also look at information from your existing medical records, which includes details from when you are in hospital and other health information stored in national databases. This information is used to help evaluate how well the CoDE-HF tool works.

Your participation is quite straightforward, as it uses information that your doctors are already collecting. There are no additional visits, assessments, or medications involved, and your care won't change. Because this study mostly uses existing information, there isn't a specific 'duration' of your personal involvement beyond your initial hospital visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits from this study are not direct to you, but the information gathered could help improve how doctors diagnose acute heart failure in the future, leading to better and faster care for other patients. There are no direct risks to you as this study uses leftover samples and existing medical records, and does not involve any extra procedures or changes to your care. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is acute heart failure?

Acute heart failure means your heart suddenly can't pump enough blood around your body to meet its needs. It's a serious medical emergency.

What is the CoDE-HF tool?

It's a computer program designed to help doctors quickly work out how likely it is that someone has acute heart failure, by combining blood test results with other patient information.

Will my medical care change if I'm in this study?

No, your medical care will not change. This study uses information that is already being collected as part of your usual hospital treatment.

Do I have to do anything extra if I take part?

No, you don't need to do anything extra. The study uses existing blood samples and medical records.

How will my information be kept private?

The researchers will handle all information carefully and securely, following strict rules to protect your privacy.