A New Device for Remote Monitoring of Vital Parameters in Acromegalic Patients: Pilot Study

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.