Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Continued Administration of Empagliflozin in Patients With Heart Failure on Active SGLT2 Inhibitor Treatment Admitted for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the hypothesis that the continuation of empagliflozin during decongestive therapy in the setting of acute decompensated and hospitalized heart failure patients is not inferior compared to therapy cessation during the acute heart failure hospitalization. Randomized treatment (plus standard medical care) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure is one (1) tablet daily of empagliflozin 10 mg or matching placebo during the in-hospital stay (up to a maximum of 30 days), followed by treatment with empagliflozin 10 mg daily after discharge (but no later than day 31) until day 90. The primary outcome measure is the combined hierarchical endpoint of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization and worsening renal function at 90 days after admission. Secondary outcome measures are the effects on urine output, diuretic efficiency, quality-of-life and the need for further administration of diuretics. Participants will * Take one tablet of study medication once daily (day 1 to day 90) * Restrict fluid intake to 1.5 liters of fluid per day and record the daily fluid intake for the study from day 1 to day 6 in the patient diary * Measure the urine output (day 1 to day 6) * Fill in Questionnaires (EQ-5D-3L (3-level version of the EuroQol five dimensional descriptive system), KCCQ-12 (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire comprising 12 items)) on day 0 (Baseline), at hospital discharge, and on day 30

Efficacy and Safety of Compression Boots in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

The aim of this clinical trial is to investigate whether pulsatile compression therapy can support heart and kidney function in patients admitted with acute heart failure and fluid accumulation in the legs. Pulsatile compression boots, which provide pulsatile compression therapy, work by adding a predefined pressure to the legs in a rhythm that enhances mobilization of peripheral edema and improves venous and lymphatic drainage from the lower extremities. This increased venous return (preload) may allow the heart to fill more effectively and pump more strongly, thereby improving circulation. Better circulation can enhance kidney blood flow, help diuretics work more efficiently, and reduce the risk of complications due to worsening heart failure, affecting both the heart and kidneys. The investigators want to explore whether adding this therapy to standard diuretic treatment is safe, feasible, and offers benefits compared with standard diuretic treatment alone. Participants will receive three daily sessions of pulsatile compression therapy alongside usual clinical care.

Levosimendan in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is one of the major causes of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in medical treatments, managing ADHF remains complex, especially in high-risk populations. Levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer that improves myocardial contractility and reduces complications associated with acute decompensated heart failure, has shown potential in improving outcomes in these patients. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levosimendan in patients with ADHF in a real-world clinical setting. This pragmatic, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial will include adult patients diagnosed with ADHF in two groups: one receiving levosimendan infusion, and the other receiving standard care for heart failure management, according to the most up-to-date clinical protocols. The study is designed to assess both the efficacy and safety of levosimendan, comparing it with the current standard of care. The primary endpoint of the study will be a clinical composite outcome measured from the NYHA functional classification of heart failure and patient global assessment. Secondary endpoints will include change in serum pro-BNP levels, clinical outcome of heart failure, changes in dyspnea status, all-cause and cardiac mortality. Safety endpoints, including adverse events, will also be systematically recorded and analyzed. Adverse events will be closely monitored, categorized as either mild, moderate, or severe, and their potential association with the treatment will be assessed. Data collection will occur at baseline and during subsequent follow-up visits at 6 hours, 24 hours, 5 days (or day of discharge), and 90 days post-treatment. Key efficacy measures will be obtained through clinical evaluations and laboratory tests, including blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, and NT-proBNP serum levels. The statistical analysis will follow an intention-to-treat (ITT) and Per protocol (PP) approach to account for all enrolled patients, ensuring robust and generalizable findings. This study will be conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and ethical standards outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, prioritizing participant safety and scientific rigor throughout the study. 12 The results of this trial will provide critical insights into the potential benefits of levosimendan for treating ADHF, and could potentially inform clinical decision-making, offering a more effective therapeutic option in managing this life-threatening condition.

The Effect of Dapagliflozin on Patients With Cardiomyopathy

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of early initiation of dapagliflozin in adult patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF). The study aims to assess the effect of dapagliflozin on pulmonary congestion as measured by lung ultrasound (LUS), length of hospital stay, and cardiac and renal biomarkers. A total of 100 patients will be randomized into two groups: one receiving dapagliflozin plus diuretics and the other receiving diuretics alone. Key outcomes include the reduction of extravascular lung water (assessed by B-lines in LUS), improved diuretic response, changes in NT-proBNP, sST2, CA-125, and NGAL levels, and incidence of acute kidney injury. The study will be conducted at the Cardiology and ICU departments at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo University

Bedside Ultrasound-guided Volume Management and Discharge Timing for Patients With Heart Failure During Hospitalization: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Brief Summary of the POCUS-HF Study The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether using bedside ultrasound (POCUS) to guide fluid management and discharge timing can improve outcomes for hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients. The study aims to answer the following questions: Does POCUS-guided management (using measurements of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung B-lines) reduce the risk of rehospitalization and death compared to standard clinical assessment alone? What is the optimal IVC value for determining the safest discharge timing for HF patients in China and Asia? Researchers will compare two groups: Intervention group: Patients receive daily POCUS assessments (IVC diameter and lung B-lines) to guide fluid management and discharge decisions. Control group: Patients receive standard care based on clinical symptoms and signs alone. Participants will: Undergo twice-daily POCUS measurements during hospitalization (intervention group only). Be discharged based on either POCUS criteria (IVC and B-line thresholds) or clinical criteria (control group). Attend follow-up visits at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after discharge to track rehospitalizations, complications, and survival. The study hopes to provide evidence that POCUS can help reduce residual fluid overload at discharge, lower rehospitalization rates, and improve long-term outcomes for HF patients.

ExCR's Effects and Safety in Vulnerable ADHF Patients

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has become a key component of the comprehensive care system for patients with stable heart failure (HF). However, due to hemodynamic instability and functional decline in early ADHF, most HF rehab studies exclude current/recent ADHF exacerbations. Currently, ADHF management strategies lack robust evidence, and the timing, duration, and frequency of exercise interventions need further validation globally. This study aims to address the following issues: Develop an exercise management program for ADHF patients, verify its feasibility, and determine the safety and applicability of early exercise rehabilitation; Evaluate the improvement of participants in terms of physical function, cardiac function, and quality of life. The research team will compare the formulated exercise rehabilitation program with conventional rehabilitation guidance to verify its feasibility and effectiveness. Participants will: Physicians and rehabilitation therapists will comprehensively assess the participants' conditions to determine the start time of rehabilitation training. Based on the patients' cardiac function, muscle strength, and heart failure-related clinical indicators, rehabilitation training is divided into two stages (the first stage is early in-hospital training, and the second stage is self-directed training after discharge). Exercise types mainly include respiratory training, bed activities, rehabilitation pedaling, and resistance training. Rehabilitation therapists and nurses will monitor participants' vital signs during the exercise process and choose the appropriate exercise intensity based on the participants' level of fatigue. The exercise rehabilitation program will be evaluated and adjusted every two weeks for a total period of 12 weeks. At the time of enrollment, discharge, two weeks after discharge, and four weeks after discharge, participants will need to complete questionnaires, including demographic and disease condition surveys, grip strength tests, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scales, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scales, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) scales, and 6-minute walk tests, etc.

Noninvasive Assessment of Pulmonary Fluid Levels by Remote Dielectric Sensing Technology to Improve Cardiac InsUfficieney During Ischemia-Reperfusion and Clinical Outcomes in MyocArdiaL Infarction

To explore whether a ReDS-guided strategy for AMI patients with cardiac insufficiency following coronary flow reperfusion is superior to routine care for improving outcomes.