Title:A New Device for Remote Monitoring of Vital Parameters in Acromegalic
Patients: Pilot Study
Volume: 22
Issue: 14
Author(s): Denise Costa*, Tania D’Amico, Valeria Mercuri, Riccardo Schiaffini and Patrizia Gargiulo
Affiliation:
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Keywords:
Acromegaly, self-monitoring, remote control, CGM, vital parameters, OSAS.
Abstract:
Introduction: Acromegaly is a rare disease that results from growth hormone (GH)
excess. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension,cardiomyopathy, and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome(
OSAS) are frequent complications.
Aim of the study: Identify a useful system to obtain a reliable remote monitoring of glucose and
the most important vital parameters in the acromegalic subjects.
Patients and Methods: Sixteen acromegalic patients (from 30 to 73 years old) were enrolled. We
provided health monitor devices to the patients for continuous acquisition of physiological signals
including twelve-lead electrocardiography (EKG) and nocturnal SpO2. At the same time, we applied
on the same patients the blinded continuous glucose monitoring system(CGMS).
Results: The lowest saturation peaks at night (<80%) were achieved in patients with a known
diagnosis of OSAS. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the lowest oxygen saturation
values and the CGM peaks (pV <0,0001) and between the average values of oxygen saturation
and CGM (pV<0,0003). Patients with a previous diagnosis of OSAS, obtained by polysomnography,
showed on the multiparametric monitor recordings superimposable to their known
condition. Instead we noticed a discordance in the two EKG recording: the wireless mode showed
an irregular rhythm in 5/16 patients, which was not confirmed by the recording mode with cables.
Conclusion: The health monitor device associated with CGM may be a new useful and versatile
tool for fragile patients who can self-manage remote monitoring, and for physicians who can
obtain real-time information for the clinical and therapeutic management of patients. It is also a
useful tool for the follow-up of patients with OSAS. Moreover, once the interference of the OSAS
is excluded, the CGM allows us to obtain a more reliable and accurate diagnosis of DM.
