The new study, funded by a £10,000 grant from the Royal Free Charity, will take place at the Royal Free Hospital and is due to begin this spring.
“Managing fluid levels in people with advanced liver disease is a challenge that doctors face on the ward,” said Dr Gemma Wells, who is leading the study.
“Patients can look overloaded with fluid yet have too little circulating blood volume. Getting that balance wrong can quickly make someone much more unwell.”
At present, doctors largely rely on physical examination and long-established guidelines to make these decisions, approaches that do not always reflect how differently individual patients respond to treatment.
The observational study will involve up to 50 adult patients admitted with complications of liver disease. Using a handheld ultrasound probe linked to a mobile phone, clinicians will take short scans at the bedside before and after routine treatments such as intravenous fluids, water tablets or drainage of excess fluid.
The team will compare scan results with blood tests, clinical observations and patient outcomes. If successful, the pilot could pave the way for larger trials and a new national approach to managing liver disease that helps patients recover more quickly and safely.
The Royal Free Charity has funded a major refurbishment at the Royal Free Hospital restaurant.
The Royal Free Charity invited NHS staff to apply for grants to improve the experience of patients.
A former stockbroker turned patient advocate, Judy Dewinter has been awarded an MBE for services to the NHS, recognising her leadership at the Royal Free Charity.