The AHF-CORE study is a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter regional study.
The main objective of the AHF-CORE study is to identify congestion markers (clinical, biological and ultrasound) at the beginning and at the end of hospitalization for acute heart failure that are more strongly associated with the risk of all cause death or rehospitalization for acute heart failure within 3 months of hospital discharge.
Secondary objectives are:
* Quantify the variations in congestion markers between the beginning and end of hospitalization for acute heart failure.
* Assess the correlation between changes in congestion markers between the beginning and end of hospitalization.
* Identify the congestion markers at the beginning of hospitalization that are most strongly associated with residual congestion at the end of hospitalization.
* Identify the added value of ultrasound and biological markers of congestion in addition to clinical variables for the prediction of all-cause death or hospitalization for acute heart failure at 3 months after hospital discharge.
* Identify the association of ultrasound and biologic congestion markers assessed at admission and final discharge with NYHA class at 3 months after hospital discharge
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients hospitalized for left-sided or global acute heart failure due to exacerbation of chronic heart failure within 72 hours of admission to hospital
* Patients over 18 years old
* Person affiliated to or beneficiary of a social security plan
* Person informed about study organization and having signed the informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Comorbidity for which life expectancy is ≤ 3 months
* Diagnosis of heart failure made less than 3 months prior to inclusion
* Exacerbation of heart failure attributed to acute ischemic stroke (acute coronary syndrome with or without ST segment elevation)
* Dialyzed patient (peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis) and patients with glomerular filtration rate \<15 ml / min / m2 at baseline
* History of pulmonary lobectomy or pneumonectomy
* Severe pulmonary or pleural disease preventing the reliable acquisition of pulmonary ultrasound images: severe emphysema, chronic pleurisy, pulmonary fibrosis
* Suspected cardiac amylose or proven cardiac amylose
* Woman of childbearing age without effective contraception
* Persons referred in articles L.1121-5, L.1121-7, L.1121-8 and L.1122-2 of the French Public Health Code: Pregnant, parturient or breastfeeding woman ; Minor person (non-emancipated) ; Adult person under legal protection (any form of public guardianship) ; Adult person incapable of giving consent and not under legal protection.
* Persons deprived of liberty for judicial or administrative decision
* Persons s…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Rate of all-cause death
Timeframe: at 3 months after hospital discharge
2
Rate of rehospitalization for acute heart failure
Timeframe: at 3 months after hospital discharge
3
Rate of day-hospital or at-home IV diuretics injection for acute HF