Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2024 | Acute Heart Failure | Original article
Results of the implementation of a double-check protocol with point-of-care ultrasound for acute heart failure in the emergency department
Published in: The Ultrasound Journal | Issue 1/2024
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Objective
To determine the effectiveness of a double-check protocol using Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the management of patients diagnosed with Acute Heart Failure in an Emergency Department.
Method
Prospective analytical cross-sectional observational study with patients diagnosed with Acute Heart Failure by the outgoing medical team, who undergo multi-organ ultrasound evaluation including cardiac, pulmonary, and inferior vena cava ultrasound.
Results
96 patients were included. An alternative diagnosis was found in 33% of them. Among the 77% where AHF diagnosis was confirmed, 73.4% had an underlying cause or condition not previously known (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction less than 40% or moderate-severe valvulopathy). The introduction of the protocol had a clinically relevant impact on 47% of all included patients.
Conclusions
The implementation of a double-check protocol using POCUS, including cardiac, pulmonary, and inferior vena cava assessment in patients diagnosed with Acute Heart Failure, demonstrates a high utility in ensuring accurate diagnosis and proper classification of these patients.