Bedside Ultrasonography in Acute Patients With Suspected Kidney Involvement

Bedside Ultrasonography in Acute Patients With Suspected Kidney Involvement

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and implications of the diagnoses and treatment determined by bedside ultrasonography (b-US) of the kidneys compared to current clinical assessment. Potentially diagnosing patients faster and avoiding missing conditions leading to readmission or unnecessary radiation from computed tomography (CT).

This study evaluates the use of b-US as a supplement to clinical evaluation, in an unselected group of patients in the emergency department (ED) with signs of kidney involvement. The b-US of the kidneys is performed by a medical student certified in this technique. The evaluation will be based on data collected from a Danish hospital (Odense University Hospital, OUH) in autumn 2018.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Suspicion of urinary tract infection and one or more of the following:
• Flank pain
• Fever
• Symptoms when voiding
• Creatinine elevation or 20% elevation from known creatinine level elevation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years
• Radiological ultrasonographic examination already performed
• Patients who are not able to consent