Evaluation of remote dielectric sensing (ReDS) technology-guided therapy for decreasing heart failure re-hospitalizations

Abstract

ObjectiveWe tested whether remote dielectric sensing (ReDS)-directed fluid management reduces readmissions in patients recently hospitalized for heart failure (HF). BackgroundPulmonary congestion is the most common cause of worsening HF leading to hospitalization. Accurate remote monitoring of lung fluid volume may guide optimal treatment and prevent re-hospitalization. ReDS technology is a quantitative non-invasive method for measuring absolute lung fluid volume. MethodsPatients hospitalized for acute decompensated HF were enrolled during their index admission and followed at home for 90days post-discharge. Daily ReDS readings were obtained using a wearable vest, and were used as a guide to optimizing HF therapy, with a goal of maintaining normal lung fluid content. Comparisons of the number of HF hospitalizations during ReDS-guided HF therapy were made, both to the 90days prior to enrollment and to the 90days following discontinuation of ReDS monitoring. ResultsFifty patients were enrolled, discharged, and followed at home for 76.9±26.2days. Patients were 73.8±10.3years old, 40% had LVEF above 40%, and 38% were women. Compared to the pre- and post-ReDS periods, there were 87% and 79% reductions in the rate of HF hospitalizations, respectively, during ReDS-guided HF therapy. The hazard ratio between the ReDS and the pre-ReDS period was 0.07 (95% CI [0.01–0.54] p=0.01), and between the ReDS and the post-ReDS period was 0.11 (95% CI [0.014–0.88] p=0.037). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that ReDS-guided management has the potential to reduce HF readmissions in acute decompensated HF patients recently discharged from the hospital.