A novel bioimpedance technique to monitor fluid volume state during hemodialysis treatment

Evaluating Research Grade Bioimpedance Hardware Using Textile Electrodes for Long-Term Fluid Status Monitoring

Fluid overload is a chronic medical condition that affects over six million Americans with conditions such as congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, and lymphedema. Remote management of fluid overload continues to be a leading clinical challenge. Bioimpedance is one technique that can be used to estimate the hydration of tissue and track it over time. However, commercially available bioimpedance measurement systems are bulky, expensive, and rely on Ag/AgCl electrodes that dry out and can irritate the skin. The use of bioimpedance today is therefore limited to clinical and research settings, with measurements performed at daily intervals or over short periods of time rather than continuously and long-term. This paper proposes using wearable calf bioimpedance measurements integrated into a compression sock for long-term fluid overload management. A PCB was developed using standard measurement techniques that measures the calf bioimpedance using a custom analog front-end built around an AD8302 gain-phase detection chip. Data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy to an iOS device using a custom iOS app. Bioimpedance data were collected both from the wearable system and a commercial measurement system (ImpediMed SFB7) using RRC networks, Ag/AgCl electrodes, and the textile compression sock. Bioimpedance data collected from the wearable system showed close agreement with data from the SFB7 when using RRC networks and in five healthy human subjects with Ag/AgCl electrodes. However, when using the textile compression sock the wearable system had worse precision than the SFB7 (4% run to run compared to <1% run to run) and there were larger differences between the two systems than when using the RRC networks and the Ag/AgCl electrodes. Wearable system precision and agreement with the SFB7 was improved by pressure or light wetting of the current electrodes on the sock. Future research should focus on reliable elimination of low-frequency artifacts in research grade hardware to enable long-term calf bioimpedance measurements for fluid overload management.

A feedback system that combines monitoring of systolic blood pressure and relative blood volume in order to prevent hypotensive episodes during dialysis

Hypotensive Episodes (HEs) are one of the most common complications during dialysis. Occurrence of HEs can be reduced by applying physiological closed loop systems that monitor physiological parameter(s) and adjust dialysis related parameter(s). We developed a physiological closed loop control system (PCLCS) that monitors systolic blood pressure (sysBP) and relative blood volume (RBV) and calculates the net fluid removal (nfr) rate during dialysis. The performance of PCLCS was compared in the laboratory to a feedback system that monitors only RBV (BVFS). A laboratory test setup was developed to test the feedback systems. The test setup simulates nfr-rate and refilling of a patient's intravascular fluid. We studied the impact of the feedback systems PCLCS and BVFS on the number of HEs (sysBP < 90 mmHg), on the variance of sysBP and RBV, on pre to post sysBP and RBV and on the achievement of the nfr-volume. PCLCS allowed 80% less HEs than BVFS (p < 0.001). Variance of sysBP and RBV were reduced by 41.8% and by 52% (p < 0.001), respectively, when using PCLCS. There were no differences between pre to post sysBP nor between pre to post RBV when comparing PCLCS to BVFS. The nfr-volume was achieved by both feedback systems.

Knee-to-knee Bioimpedance Measurements to Monitor Changes in Extracellular Fluid in Haemodynamic-unstable Patients During Dialysis

The feasibility of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) techniques for monitoring intradialytic changes in body fluids is advancing. The aim of this study was to compare the knee-to-knee (kkBIS) with the traditional whole-body (whBIS) with respect to continuous assessment of fluid volume status in hemodialysis patients. Twenty patients divided into two groups, hemodynamically stable and unstable, were recruited. Bioimpedance data from two different electrodes configurations (hand-to-foot and knee-to-knee) were collected and retrospectively analysed. A good correlation between the two methods with respect to changes in extracellular resistance (R_e) and R_e normalized for ultrafiltration volume (ΔR_e/UFV) with p < 0.001 was observed. The relationship between relative change (%) in ΔR_e and that in patient weight was most notable with kkBIS (4.82 ± 3.31 %/kg) in comparison to whBIS (3.69 ± 2.90 %/kg) in unstable patients. Furthermore, results based on kkBIS showed a reduced ability of the thigh compartments to keep up with the volume changes in the trunk for unstable patients. kkBIS provided a comparable sensitivity to whBIS even in patients at risk of intradialytic hypotension while avoiding the need for the complex implementation imposed by whBIS or other configurations.

Intravenous Fluid Challenge Decreases Intracellular Volume: A Bioimpedance Spectroscopy-Based Crossover Study in Healthy Volunteers

The effects of intravenous fluid therapy on fluid compartments and hemodynamics of the human body remain enigmatic. We therefore tested the efficacy of bioimpedance spectroscopy in a crossover study, where 15 males received 0.5 ml/kg/min ELO-MEL-isoton (osmolarity = 302 mosmol/l) during 60 minutes, or nothing at all. In group “Fluid”, fluid load increased from −0.2 ± 1.0 l extracellular volume at baseline to its maximum of 1.0 ± 0.9 l in minute 70, and remained continuously elevated throughout minute 300. In group “Zero”, fluid load decreased from 0.5 ± 1.1 l at baseline to its minimum of −1.1 ± 1.1 l in minute 300. In group “Fluid”, intracellular volume decreased from 26.8 ± 3.9 l at baseline to its minimum of 26.0 ± 3.9 l in minute 70, and remained continuously decreased throughout minute 300. In group “Zero”, intracellular volume increased from 26.5 ± 3.8 l at baseline to its maximum of 27.1 ± 3.9 l in minute 120, and decreased thereafter. In group “Fluid” compared to “Zero”, systolic blood pressure was significantly higher, from minute 50–90. In conclusion, intravenous fluid therapy caused a clinically meaningful, sustained increase in fluid load, and a decrease in intracellular volume. These data raise interest in studying fluid administration by the gastrointestinal route, perhaps even when managing critical illness.

Unobtrusive and comprehensive health screening using an intelligent toilet system

Home monitoring is a promising technology to deal with the increasing amount of chronically ill patients while ensuring quality of medical care. Most systems available today depend on a high degree of interaction between the user and the device. Especially for people relying on advanced levels of care, this scheme is impracticable. In this paper, we are presenting an "intelligent toilet" performing an extensive health check while being as simple to use as a conventional toilet. The main focus of the system is to support the treatment of diabetes and chronic heart failure, but additional applications are possible.

Application of bioimpedance spectroscopy in Asian dialysis patients (ABISAD-III): a randomized controlled trial for clinical outcomes

PURPOSE

Fluid management with body composition monitor based on bioimpedance spectroscopy (BCM-BIS) has been found to be beneficial for dialysis patients. We conducted a study to provide an algorithm for the determination of post-dialysis target weight (PDTW) and to evaluate whether this approach could improve clinical outcomes compared to patients who had PDTW decided clinically.

METHODS

Two hundred and ninety-eight dialysis patients participated in this 1-year randomized controlled trial. The outcomes were all-cause hospitalization rate, AFO or CV-related events, hypertension and intra-dialysis morbidities.

RESULTS

80 % of post-dialysis weight reached the target set with current algorithm. All-cause hospitalization rate was not different. Incidence of acute fluid overload (AFO) or CV-related events was lower in study group. Longitudinal data showed decreased incidence of hypertension, intra-dialysis morbidities and intra-dialysis hypotension.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of PDTW by BCM-BIS with an explicit algorithm decreased AFO or CV-related events, hypertension and intra-dialysis morbidities. Further studies were required to demonstrate possible benefits of hospitalization rate.

Intra-abdominal pressure correlates with extracellular water content

Background

Secondary increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) may result from extra-abdominal pathology, such as massive fluid resuscitation, capillary leak or sepsis. All these conditions increase the extravascular water content. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between IAP and body water volume.

Material and Methods

Adult patients treated for sepsis or septic shock with acute kidney injury (AKI) and patients undergoing elective pharyngolaryngeal or orthopedic surgery were enrolled. IAP was measured in the urinary bladder. Total body water (TBW), extracellular water content (ECW) and volume excess (VE) were measured by whole body bioimpedance. Among critically ill patients, all parameters were analyzed over three consecutive days, and parameters were evaluated perioperatively in surgical patients.

Results

One hundred twenty patients were studied. Taken together, the correlations between IAP and VE, TBW, and ECW were measured at 408 time points. In all participants, IAP strongly correlated with ECW and VE. In critically ill patients, IAP correlated with ECW and VE. In surgical patients, IAP correlated with ECW and TBW. IAP strongly correlated with ECW and VE in the mixed population. IAP also correlated with VE in critically ill patients. ROC curve analysis showed that ECW and VE might be discriminative parameters of risk for increased IAP.

Conclusion

IAP strongly correlates with ECW.

Usefulness of bioimpedance spectroscopy for detection of hypotensive episode during dialysis

Using statistical methods, this study investigates whether bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and plasma electrolytes can be used to identify risk of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) based on information obtained during the first half of the dialysis treatment only. Data obtained from 40 patients included information on blood pressure, parameters defined from BIS, plasma electrolytes, and relevant clinical data. Patients were divided into three groups based on their intradialytic decrease in systolic blood pressure (SysBP) and associated symptoms and interventions: (1) Stable SysBP, (2) Asymptomatic unstable SysBP, and (3) symptomatic unstable SysBP. Retrospective analysis showed a significant reduction in extracellular fluid of 0.64 ± 0.62 L and potassium (K) concentration of 0.24 ± 1.67 mM in parallel with a decrease in SysBP of ≥25 mm Hg/hr. Data analysis using mixed-model procedure revealed that unstable patients compared with stable patients were characterized by higher extracellular resistance (p = 0.014) and K concentration (p = 0.009). Discriminant analysis using relative changes in extracellular resistance, potassium, and pH resulted in correct identification of 85% of the patients at risk. This study indicates that combining BIS and plasma electrolytes analysis may be a promising method to provide more accurate monitoring of IDH.

Textrode functional straps for bioimpedance measurements--experimental results for body composition analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Functional garments for physiological sensing purposes have been used in several disciplines, that is, sports, firefighting, military and medicine. In most of the cases, textile electrodes (textrodes) embedded in the garment are used to monitor vital signs and other physiological measurements. Electrical bioimpedance (EBI) is a non-invasive and effective technology that can be used for the detection and supervision of different health conditions.EBI technology could make use of the advantages of garment integration; however, a successful implementation of EBI technology depends on the good performance of textrodes. The main drawback of textrodes is a deficient skin-electrode interface that produces a high degree of sensitivity to signal disturbances. This sensitivity can be reduced with a suitable selection of the electrode material and an intelligent and ergonomic garment design that ensures an effective skin-electrode contact area.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In this work, textrode functional straps for total right side EBI measurements for body composition are presented, and its measurement performance is compared against the use of Ag/AgCl electrodes. Shieldex sensor fabric and a tetra-polar electrode configuration using the ImpediMed spectrometer SFB7 in the frequency range of 3-500 kHz were used to obtain and analyse the impedance spectra and Cole and body composition parameters.

RESULTS

The results obtained show stable and reliable measurements; the slight differences obtained with the functional garment do not significantly affect the computation of Cole and body composition parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a larger sensor area, a high conductive material and an appropriate design can compensate, to some degree, for the charge transfer deficiency of the skin-electrode interface.

The Relationship between Bioimpedance Analysis, Haemodynamic Parameters of Haemodialysis, Biochemical Parameters and Dry Weight

Adequate fluid management plays an important role in the treatment of haemodialysis patients and the assessment of dry weight is important for efficient therapy. Fluid volume parameters were assessed in adults undergoing haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease, using whole-body multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and their relationship to haemodynamic and biochemical parameters of haemodialysis was evaluated. Ultrafiltration volume was correlated with age, sodium, haemoglobin, extracellular water (ECW)/total body water (TBW) ratio and ECW/intracellular water (ICW) ratio. The ECW/TBW ratio was correlated with age, body mass index, dry weight, predialysis systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and ECW/total body weight ratio. The ECW/ICW ratio correlated with age, dry weight, TBW, albumin, adequacy of dialysis and urea removal ratio. The study demonstrated a close relationship between bioimpedance-derived fluid volume parameters and the haemodynamic and biochemical parameters of haemodialysis. It is concluded that multifrequency whole-body BIA may have clinical value in the estimation of dry weight and other haemodynamic parameters of haemodialysis and so may protect patients from the risks associated with under- or over-hydration.

Model-based correction of the influence of body position on continuous segmental and hand-to-foot bioimpedance measurements

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is suitable for continuous monitoring of body water content. The combination of body posture and time is a well-known source of error, which limits the accuracy and therapeutic validity of BIS measurements. This study evaluates a model-based correction as a possible solution. For this purpose, an 11-cylinder model representing body impedance distribution is used. Each cylinder contains a nonlinear two-pool model to describe fluid redistribution due to changing body position and its influence on segmental and hand-to-foot (HF) bioimpedance measurements. A model-based correction of segmental (thigh) and HF measurements (Xitron Hydra 4200) in nine healthy human subjects (following a sequence of 7 min supine, 20 min standing, 40 min supine) has been evaluated. The model-based compensation algorithm represents a compromise between accuracy and simplicity, and reduces the influence of changes in body position on the measured extracellular resistance and extracellular fluid by up to 75 and 70%, respectively.