Can a simple blood test decide when heart failure patients go home?

NCT ID NCT03103932

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether using a blood test called NTproBNP can help doctors decide the best time to discharge patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure. 750 participants will be randomly assigned to either a biomarker-guided discharge plan or usual care. The goal is to see if this approach reduces hospital readmissions and keeps patients healthier longer.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Biomarker guided discharge algorithm
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a more personalized discharge plan for heart failure patients, potentially reducing hospital readmissions and improving recovery.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study testing a new decision-making tool, not a treatment. The biomarker approach may not improve outcomes compared to standard care, and results may not apply to all heart failure patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

congestive heart failure heart failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEART FAILURE; WITH DECOMPENSATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Ottawa Heart Institute
RECRUITING

Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada

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