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.