This observational study is designed to assess whether focused lung ultrasound examination can improve the diagnosis of COVID-19 lung disease and/or make an alternative diagnosis at a patient's initial hospital presentation. For patients with confirmed COVID-19 the study will also assess whether surveillance lung ultrasound examination can predict clinical outcome over the course of their hospital admission.
Study participants will be screened from and recruited on their entry into the suspected COVID-19 admission pathway at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. In addition to usual clinical care (including physical exam and observations, blood tests, nasopharyngeal swab for viral PCR testing, and chest x-ray as standard), participants will undergo focused lung ultrasound examination. Participants who are negative for COVID-19 will be followed up to confirm their final discharge diagnoses, and clinical outcome at either 3 months post-enrolment or discharge from hospital. Participants who are positive for COVID-19 will have regular focused lung ultrasound examination during their hospital admission in addition to usual clinical care until their treatment for COVID-19 is complete. Their discharge diagnoses and clinical outcome at either 3 months post-enrolment or discharge from hospital (whichever is later).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
45
Focused lung ultrasound examination
Derriford Hospital
Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
Diagnosis of COVID-19 on lung ultrasound
Primary and blinded scorer diagnosis of COVID-19 on lung ultrasound
Time frame: On day of admission to hospital
Difference in diagnosis of COVID-19 on lung ultrasound vs. chest x-ray
Primary and blinded scorer diagnosis of COVID-19 on lung ultrasound vs. radiologist-reported chest x-ray findings
Time frame: On day of admission to hospital
Diagnosis of alternative condition to COVID-19 on lung ultrasound vs. chest x-ray
Primary and blinded scorer diagnosis of alternative condition on lung ultrasound
Time frame: On day of admission to hospital
Ability of surveillance lung ultrasound to predict clinical trajectory / outcome in patients with COVID-19
Comparison of lung ultrasound findings with clinical markers of COVID-19 disease severity e.g. supplementary oxygen requirements
Time frame: During hospital admission
Consistency of lung ultrasound interpretation in patients presenting with suspected COVID-19
Comparison of primary and blinded scorer evaluation of lung ultrasound scans for consistency of interpretation and diagnosis
Time frame: On day of admission to hospital
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