Comprehensive Clinical Prediction Rule for Acute Heart Failure

The goal of this prospective observational cohort study is to establish a comprehensive clinical prediction rule integrating clinical characteristics, point-of-care testing (POCT) of NT-proBNP, an 8-point LUS, and a rapid cardiac assessment using bedside echocardiography for diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) in the emergency department. A clinical prediction rule with high diagnostic accuracy will minimize delays and misdiagnoses, as well as the potential harm they may cause to patients. The primary outcome measure is the adjudicated AHF diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures include ED and discharge diagnosis of the patients.