Lung Ultrasound for the Detection of Volume Overload in Patients With Severe Preeclampsia

Saint Thomas Hospital (HST)

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Preeclampsia; Pulmonary Edema - Acute

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: Lung ultrasound

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07261956

4377

Details and patient eligibility

About

This research aims to evaluate the usefulness of lung ultrasound (LUS) for detecting and monitoring fluid overload in patients with severe preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal death and illness worldwide, often causing fluid buildup that can lead to a serious complication called pulmonary edema, especially after delivery.

The study will be a prospective, longitudinal observational study with a diagnostic validation component. It will involve patients with a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia who meet specific inclusion criteria. Each participant will undergo a clinical exam and a lung ultrasound, which will assess eight zones of the lungs. The total number of B-lines-a sign of interstitial edema-will be documented.

Data will be collected at three key times: upon admission, in the immediate postpartum period (within 24 hours of delivery), and 7-10 days postpartum. The results from the LUS will be compared to clinical signs like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, crackling sounds in the lungs, and oxygen saturation levels.

The expected impact of this research is to provide evidence that LUS is a valuable, non-invasive, and accessible tool for the early detection of pulmonary congestion in patients with severe preeclampsia. This could lead to improved clinical decision-making and a reduction in maternal respiratory complications.

Enrollment: 202 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Preeclampsia with severe features.
• Gestational age 24 weeks - 41 weeks.

Exclusion criteria

• Chronic lung disease.
• Known heart disease.
• Diagnosis of lung edema at admission
• Body mass index > 40
• Need for immediate delivery

Trial design

Primary purpose: Diagnostic

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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202 participants in 1 patient group

Severe preeclampsia

Experimental group

Description:

Pregnant subjects (24 weeks - 41 weeks) with severe preeclampsia

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Lung ultrasound