Echocardiographic Parameters for Hemodynamic Support During CVVHDF

This prospective, single-center observational study is designed to investigate the predictive value of specific transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) parameters in assessing the risk of hemodynamic instability during the initiation of sustained low-efficiency daily dialysis (SVVHDF) in critically ill patients. The primary focus is to determine whether measurements obtained immediately before dialysis-namely LVOT VTI, MAPSE, TAPSE, S', and E/e'-can identify patients at risk of hypotension or the need for hemodynamic support within the first hour of treatment.

All echocardiographic assessments will be performed by certified intensive care specialists or cardiologists using standard parasternal and apical windows. The parameters to be evaluated include:

LVOT VTI (Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Velocity-Time Integral):

Measured via pulsed wave Doppler from the apical 5-chamber view, this value reflects stroke volume and overall cardiac output. A low LVOT VTI may indicate hypovolemia or decreased systolic function.

MAPSE (Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion):

Obtained using M-mode in the apical 4-chamber view by measuring the displacement of the mitral annulus during systole. It is an index of longitudinal left ventricular systolic function; values <10 mm may suggest early left ventricular dysfunction.

TAPSE (Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion):

Also measured with M-mode in the apical 4-chamber view, TAPSE reflects right ventricular systolic function. Values <17 mm are indicative of right ventricular dysfunction.

S' (S Prime) Wave:

Using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) at the mitral and/or tricuspid annulus, this parameter evaluates longitudinal systolic myocardial velocity. Reduced S' values suggest impaired ventricular contractility.

E/e' Ratio:

Calculated from pulsed Doppler and TDI values, this ratio estimates left ventricular filling pressures. An E/e' >15 is associated with elevated filling pressure, while <8 suggests normal filling.

Patients will be monitored for hemodynamic instability within the first 60 minutes following SVVHDF initiation. The primary hemodynamic outcomes include:

Hypotension: Defined as a mean arterial pressure (MAP) <65 mmHg or a ≥20% decrease in MAP compared to baseline values prior to dialysis initiation.

Need for Vasopressor or Inotrope Support: Initiation of medications such as norepinephrine, dopamine, or dobutamine during the first hour of dialysis.

Need for Additional Fluid Resuscitation: Defined as administration of ≥500 mL crystalloid or colloid solution within 60 minutes due to clinical signs of volume depletion.

Clinical decisions related to dialysis and hemodynamic management will be made solely by the treating physicians, with study investigators collecting data in an observational capacity. All echocardiographic and hemodynamic data will be anonymized and stored securely for statistical analysis.

This study aims to identify echocardiographic biomarkers that can improve the safety and personalization of dialysis management in ICU settings, with potential applications extending to chronic dialysis centers in the future.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥18 years
• Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU)
• Clinical indication for initiation of continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF)
• Ability to obtain adequate transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) images prior to CVVHDF
• Written informed consent obtained from the patient's legal representative

Exclusion criteria

• Acute coronary syndrome, severe valvular disease, or pericardial effusion affecting cardiac function
• Cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia that interfere with accurate Doppler measurements
• Presence of cardiac devices such as pacemakers, LVADs, or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
• Poor echocardiographic window due to severe lung disease or chest wall abnormalities
• Estimated life expectancy <24 hours or do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in place
• Inability to obtain informed consent due to lack of legal representative
• Transfer to another facility before CVVHDF initiation or change in renal replacement strategy (e.g., switch to peritoneal dialysis)
• Incomplete echocardiographic measurement due to technical limitations