Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Hypertensive Emergency
375 participantsStarted 2024-11-01
Plain-language summary
This prospective observational study investigates the potential of point-of-care ultrasonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) to rule out papilledema in patients with suspected hypertensive emergency. The primary focus is on assessing ONSD sensitivity in identifying papilledema (hypertensive retinopathy grade 4), while secondary endpoints include hypertensive retinopathy grade 3, hypertensive encephalopathy, and the need for intravenous rapid-acting medications to lower elevated blood pressure. This study aims to determine the diagnostic characteristics of this procedure for the diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy, thus assessing its potential as a screening tool to rule out hypertensive retinopathy by the acute internal medicine doctor.
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:
* ≥ 18 years old
* Any patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected hypertensive emergency i.e.: blood pressure of \> 200 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) systolic and/or \> 120 mmHg diastolic
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with preexisting optic nerve head changes such as glaucoma, pre-existing retinal artery/vein occlusions or any other condition that makes assessment of the fundi impossible.
* Primary neurological cause of hypertension: ischemic cerebrovascular incident
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.