Automatic B-lines: a tool for minimizing time to diuretic administration in pulmonary edema patients in the emergency department of a developing country
Dublin Core
Title
Automatic B-lines: a tool for minimizing time to diuretic administration in pulmonary edema patients in the emergency department of a developing country
Subject
Artificial intelligence, Ultrasonography, Lung, Pulmonary edema, Diuretics, Emergency department,
Artifacts
Artifacts
Description
Abstract
Background Effective management of pulmonary edema in the emergency department (ED) is crucial given its
significant global impact on health. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis: “Does the utilization of Automatic
B-lines via ultrasonography in patients with pulmonary edema facilitate faster diuretic administration in a developing
country?”
Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary academic center in Thailand. Patients
with pulmonary edema admitted to the ED between January 2023 and June 2024 were enrolled. Ultrasound
documentation and electronic ED medical records were compared to assess the time of diuretic administration
between patients who had lung ultrasounds utilizing automatic B-lines and those who had manual B-lines counted
by physician eye inspection. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the
use of automatic B-lines and early diuretic administration.
Results The study included 134 patients with pulmonary edema. The time to diuretic administration was significantly
shorter in the automatic B-lines group (median time [Q1-Q3], 55 min; range, 35–110 min) compared to the non-
automatic B-lines group (median time, 100 min; range, 75–145 min). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis,
early diuretic administration within 60 min of triage was significantly more likely in the automatic B-lines group
(adjusted odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.45) than in the non-automatic B-lines group.
Conclusions In a developing country, patients with pulmonary edema who had lung ultrasound evaluation with
automated B lines experienced a fastest diuresis compared to those who utilized ultrasonography without automatic
B lines. Implementing automatic B-lines as an early screening protocol could enhance clinical practice in the ED.
Keywords Artificial intelligence, Ultrasonography, Lung, Pulmonary edema, Diuretics, Emergency department,
Artifacts
Background Effective management of pulmonary edema in the emergency department (ED) is crucial given its
significant global impact on health. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis: “Does the utilization of Automatic
B-lines via ultrasonography in patients with pulmonary edema facilitate faster diuretic administration in a developing
country?”
Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary academic center in Thailand. Patients
with pulmonary edema admitted to the ED between January 2023 and June 2024 were enrolled. Ultrasound
documentation and electronic ED medical records were compared to assess the time of diuretic administration
between patients who had lung ultrasounds utilizing automatic B-lines and those who had manual B-lines counted
by physician eye inspection. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the
use of automatic B-lines and early diuretic administration.
Results The study included 134 patients with pulmonary edema. The time to diuretic administration was significantly
shorter in the automatic B-lines group (median time [Q1-Q3], 55 min; range, 35–110 min) compared to the non-
automatic B-lines group (median time, 100 min; range, 75–145 min). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis,
early diuretic administration within 60 min of triage was significantly more likely in the automatic B-lines group
(adjusted odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.45) than in the non-automatic B-lines group.
Conclusions In a developing country, patients with pulmonary edema who had lung ultrasound evaluation with
automated B lines experienced a fastest diuresis compared to those who utilized ultrasonography without automatic
B lines. Implementing automatic B-lines as an early screening protocol could enhance clinical practice in the ED.
Keywords Artificial intelligence, Ultrasonography, Lung, Pulmonary edema, Diuretics, Emergency department,
Artifacts
Creator
Kamonwon Ienghong1
, Lap Woon Cheung2,3, Sivit Chanthawatthanarak1
and Korakot Apiratwarakul1*
, Lap Woon Cheung2,3, Sivit Chanthawatthanarak1
and Korakot Apiratwarakul1*
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00776-1
Date
2024
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
PDF
Language
ENGLISH
Type
TEXT
Files
Collection
Citation
Kamonwon Ienghong1
, Lap Woon Cheung2,3, Sivit Chanthawatthanarak1
and Korakot Apiratwarakul1*, “Automatic B-lines: a tool for minimizing time to diuretic administration in pulmonary edema patients in the emergency department of a developing country,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12537.