AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Infusion of Furosemide to Improve Diuretic Efficiency in Acute Heart Failure (INFUSE-AHF)

This research, known as INFUSE-AHF, is investigating how a familiar medication, furosemide, can be used most effectively for individuals experiencing acute heart failure, a condition where the heart suddenly struggles to pump blood, often leading to fluid buildup. The main goal is to understand if giving furosemide in a different way, through a drip (infusion), can help patients lose more excess fluid from their body over 3 days. This fluid loss is important because it can improve symptoms like breathlessness and swelling. The study also looks at how quickly patients feel better, how many days they spend out of hospital, and their overall hospital stay. This is a Phase IV study, meaning the medicine is already approved but researchers are learning more about how to use it best.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Region Midtjylland

Enrolment target

436

Start

24 Apr 2026

Acute heart failure with volume overload

What is this study about?

When someone has acute heart failure, it means their heart isn't working as well as it should, and this can cause fluid to build up in different parts of the body, like the lungs and legs. This fluid buildup can make it very hard to breathe and can cause a lot of swelling. A common medicine used to help remove this extra fluid is called furosemide, which works by making you pass more urine.

This study, called INFUSE-AHF, is looking at how best to give furosemide to patients when they are in hospital with acute heart failure and too much fluid. Doctors usually give furosemide in different ways, and this study wants to see if giving it as a continuous drip (infusion) works better than other methods for helping patients lose a lot of fluid quickly and safely. The main thing they will measure is how much weight patients lose over three days, as losing weight often means losing extra fluid.

Researchers are hoping to find out if this way of giving furosemide can help people feel better faster, reduce their breathlessness, and potentially shorten the time they need to stay in hospital. This information will help doctors provide the best care for patients experiencing sudden worsening heart failure in the future.

Key takeaways

The study investigates the best way to give furosemide for sudden worsening heart failure.
It aims to see if continuous furosemide via a drip helps remove more fluid.
Researchers will measure weight loss as a key indicator of fluid removal.
The goal is to help patients feel better and potentially shorten hospital stays.
This is a study of an existing, approved medication.
Participation requires being an adult with acute heart failure and fluid overload.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years or older. It doesn't matter if you are male or female; anyone can take part.

The most important thing is that you have been admitted to the hospital because your heart failure has suddenly become worse, and you have significant fluid buildup in your body that needs to be treated.

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 older?
Have you recently been admitted to the hospital for your heart failure suddenly getting worse?
Do you have a lot of extra fluid in your body that needs treatment (known as 'volume overload')?
Are you able to provide your consent to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would primarily receive the standard care for your heart failure, but the way your furosemide medicine is given might be different. You would be randomly chosen to receive furosemide either as a continuous drip over time or in the usual way, for example, as a single injection or tablet. For the first 3 days after starting the study, your weight would be measured regularly to see how much fluid you're losing. Doctors and nurses would also ask about your breathing and other symptoms.

The study would involve regular check-ups and monitoring while you are in the hospital. Researchers would also keep track of your condition for up to 30 days after you start the study to see how you are doing, including how many days you spend out of the hospital. The total duration of active study monitoring would be for the first few days of your hospital stay, with an overall check on your health up to 30 days.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you would be receiving treatment already used for heart failure. The main difference is *how* the furosemide is given, which doctors hope might help you lose more fluid and feel better faster. However, like all treatments, there can be risks, such as changes in your kidney function or blood salt levels, which will be closely monitored. You will have full rights to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Denmark

Common questions

What is acute heart failure?

It's when your heart suddenly can't pump enough blood, often leading to fluid buildup in your body, making you feel unwell and breathless.

What is furosemide?

It's a common medicine, often called a 'water pill' or diuretic, which helps your body get rid of extra fluid by making you urinate more.

What does 'infusion' mean?

An infusion means the medicine is given slowly and steadily into your bloodstream through a drip, rather than a quick injection or tablet.

Will I know if I'm getting the study treatment?

Because this study compares different ways to give furosemide, you might not know if you're getting the infusion method or the standard method until after the study is over, to keep the results fair.

Why is weight loss important in this study?

In heart failure, weight gain often means your body is holding onto too much fluid. Losing weight means you're losing that extra fluid, which can help improve your symptoms.