This is a randomized trial of protocolized diuretic therapy guided by urinary sodium compared to structured usual care in ED patients with AHF. Participants will be recruited following an initial standard evaluation in the ED and randomized in a 1:1 fashion to structured usual care or protocolized diuretic therapy guided by urinary sodium.
Who can participate
Age range
19 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:
* Age \> 18
* Emergency Department diagnosis of Acute Heart Failure (AHF)
* Any one of the following:
i. Chest radiograph or lung ultrasound consistent with AHF ii. Jugular venous distension iii. Pulmonary rales on auscultation iv. Lower extremity edema v. S3 gallop
* \> 10 pounds of volume overload physician estimate or historical dry weight
* IV diuretic ordered or planned to be during first 24 hours of ED or inpatient stay
Exclusion Criteria:
* End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis
* Need for immediate intubation
* Acute Coronary Syndrome - presentation consistent with myocardial ischemia AND new ST-Segment elevation/depression
* Temperature \> 100.5ºF
* End Stage Heart Failure: transplant list or ventricular assist device
* Concurrent use of ototoxic medications including intravenous aminoglycosides and cisplatin
* Systolic Blood Pressure \< 90 mmHg at time of consent
* LV outflow obstruction, severe uncorrected stenotic valvular disease or severe restrictive cardiomyopathy
* Greater than 2 doses of IV diuretic administered at the time of screening from the time of the hospital presentation leading to this admission (outside hospital time is included)
* Severe, uncorrected serum electrolyte abnormalities at the time of consent (serum potassium \<3.0 mEq/L, magnesium \<1.0 mEq/L or sodium \<125 or \>150 mEq/l)
* Lack of informed consent
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
Clinical Status Score
Timeframe: From the time of randomization through day 14