Clinical Research Directory

Natriuresis-guided Depletion After Cardiac Surgery

Fluid overload (FO) is a common complication after cardiac surgery, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Loop diuretics, especially furosemide, are routinely used to manage FO, but their use is often empirical. Recent data suggest that natriuresis-guided furosemide titration using point-of-care urinary sodium sensors (LAQUAtwin NA-11, Horiba) may improve the efficiency and safety of fluid removal, but no randomized trial has yet evaluated this approach in postoperative cardiac surgery patients Our goal is to assess the clinical impact, safety, and feasibility of a natriuresis-guided furosemide protocol after cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

Simple Urine Composition-based Personalized Algorithm for Effective Congestion Relief in Decompensated Heart Failure

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of loop diuretic adaptative algorithm that is based on machine learning, urine output prediction tool, in decongestion of acute heart failure patients. A total of 90 patients will be enrolled in the study. Of these, 45 will be assigned to the algorithm-based intervention group, while the remaining 45 will serve as the control group. In the control group, all decisions regarding diuretic therapy will be made solely by the attending physician, without the use of the algorithm. Patients will receive intravenous furosemide, with the initial dose determined by the attending physician. Two hours after administration of the diuretic, a spot urine sample will be collected to measure sodium and creatinine concentrations. Based on these values, the 6-hour urine output will be estimated using the machine learning, urine output prediction tool (http://diuresis.umw.edu.pl). This estimate will guide the diuretic therapy plan for the first 24 hours of hospitalization. On the second day, the procedure will be repeated using the same methodology.

Evolution of Tissue Perfusion and Venous Congestion Markers in Fluid-Responsive Septic Shock Patients

Septic shock remains a leading cause of mortality in intensive care, and while fluid resuscitation (FR) is a cornerstone of early management, its benefit-risk balance is highly variable. Excessive fluid administration can cause venous congestion and organ dysfunction, while insufficient resuscitation risks hypoperfusion. Current strategies often rely on fluid responsiveness (i.e., increased cardiac output after fluids), but this does not guarantee improved outcomes, particularly if congestion ensues. This prospective, multicenter, observational study aims to assess the clinical impact of FR in septic shock patients who are fluid responsive. The primary objective is to evaluate changes in tissue perfusion and venous congestion markers following FR. Patients will be categorized into four response profiles based on the presence or absence of perfusion improvement and congestion worsening. Secondary objectives include exploring the prognostic implications of each profile (organ dysfunction, mortality), identifying pre-FR predictors of adverse responses, evaluating changes in congestion markers after passive leg raising (PLR), and performing phenotypic clustering and mediation analyses. Eligible patients are adults with septic shock requiring vasopressors and mechanical ventilation, with confirmed fluid responsiveness via echocardiography. Each patient will undergo standardized pre- and post-FR assessments, including cardiac ultrasound, Doppler of hepatic/portal veins (VeXUS), CVP, perfusion markers, and blood gases. Data on SOFA scores, organ support duration, and 28-day mortality will be collected. Approximately 170 patients will be enrolled across five ICUs experienced in advanced hemodynamic monitoring. Statistical analyses will include multivariate modeling, clustering, ROC curves, and mediation analyses. By identifying phenotypes of fluid-responsive but fluid-intolerant patients, the study aims to refine fluid management strategies and improve outcomes through more personalized care in septic shock.

Hepatic Doppler to Assess Venous Congestion During Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (DOHECOV)

The purpose of the study is to investigate venous congestion using hepatic vein doppler for ICU patients with invasive mechanical ventilastion. The primary outcome is the systolic to diastolic hepatic vein velocity ratio S/D . The objective is to find a significant association between S/D and different congestion indicators.