RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Intensive Care Unit-acquired Heart Failure in Critically Ill: the ICU-HF Study

This study, called ICU-HF, explores whether being seriously ill in intensive care affects the heart muscle, potentially leading to heart failure. We know that critical illness can weaken other muscles in the body, which is called Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICUAW). Now, researchers want to find out if the heart muscle is also affected in a similar way. They will use a type of ultrasound scan called transthoracic echocardiography to look at the heart's structure and function. The goal is to understand if changes in heart muscle mass are linked to heart failure, which could help improve treatments for critically ill patients in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Charite University, Berlin, Germany

Enrolment target

Start

07 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Heart Failure ICUAW

What is this study about?

When people are very poorly and need to stay in an intensive care unit (ICU), their bodies can go through a lot of changes. It's already known that a long stay in the ICU can cause muscles, like those in your arms and legs, to become weak. This is a common problem called Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICUAW), and it can make it harder for people to recover after leaving the hospital.

What isn't as clear is whether other important muscles, like the heart muscle, are also affected by being critically ill. Some early research suggests that the heart muscle might get smaller during an ICU stay. This study aims to investigate this further. The researchers want to see if there's a link between being in intensive care and changes in the heart muscle, and if these changes could increase the risk of developing heart failure.

Heart failure is a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood around the body as well as it should. If doctors can identify patients who are at risk of developing heart failure while in the ICU, or soon after, they might be able to start treatments that could help the heart recover and improve the patient's long-term health. This study hopes to provide important information that could lead to better care for people who are critically ill.

Key takeaways

Looks at how intensive care might affect heart muscle.
Aims to see if this could lead to heart failure.
Uses safe heart ultrasound scans.
No new medicines or extra appointments needed.
Helps improve care for future critically ill patients.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are admitted to an intensive care unit. You would need to start breathing support using a machine within 24 hours of arriving at the ICU, and doctors would expect you to stay in the ICU for at least three days.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe narrowing of a heart valve called the aortic valve, or if you have a pacemaker or similar electronic device that would interfere with some of the tests. Also, if there are language barriers that would prevent you from understanding the study, or if it's expected that you might not survive your ICU stay, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in an intensive care unit (ICU)?
Did you start breathing support (ventilation) within 24 hours of ICU admission?
Are you expected to stay in the ICU for at least 3 days?
Do you not have severe narrowing of your aortic heart valve?
Do you not have a pacemaker or similar electronic device that might prevent some tests?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves looking at your heart using a special ultrasound scan called a transthoracic echocardiography, which is similar to a normal ultrasound. This scan helps doctors see the structure of your heart and how well it's pumping. This will be done while you are undergoing your usual intensive care treatment. The study aims to gather information at different points during your ICU stay to see if there are any changes over time. Your participation will be integrated into the standard care you receive, and no additional medications or follow-up appointments are specifically required for the study itself. The total duration of your participation would be for the period you are in intensive care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves very low risk, as the main test (heart ultrasound) is routine and safe. There are no direct personal benefits from taking part, but the information gained will help doctors understand more about heart health in critically ill patients, potentially improving future care for others. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical treatment.

Locations (2)

Medical University of Vienna
Verified postcode
Vienna, Austria· Recruiting
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to find out if being in intensive care affects your heart muscle and if this could lead to heart failure.

What is 'heart failure'?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should, making it harder for your body to get enough oxygen and nutrients.

What is a transthoracic echocardiography?

It's a type of ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart, allowing doctors to check its structure and how well it's working.

Will I have to take any new medicines for this study?

No, you will not be asked to take any new medicines specifically for this study. Your treatment will be based on your medical needs.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, and it will not affect the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Stefan J Schaller, MD

stefan.schaller@charite.de +49 30 450 631289 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.