OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of remote dielectric sensing (ReDS) of therapy targeting the rate of readmissions throughout a 6-month follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 148 patients with acute decompensation of heart failure (ADHF) divided into 2 groups: control group (n=74) and ReDS group (n=74). Mean age was 62±9.5 (59—65) and 65±12 (62—68) years, respectively. Men comprised 79.7% and 68.9% of patients, respectively. All patients received in-hospital therapy of ADHF according to available recommendations and optimal drug therapy of HF later. In the ReDS group, patients additionally underwent measurements of volemic status (ReDS) upon admission, before active diuretic therapy, 3—5 days after hospitalization (subcompensation) and at discharge (compensation). We corrected active diuretic therapy considering ReDS data. The follow-up period after discharge was 6 months.

RESULTS

In the ReDS group, 8 (10.8%) patients were ready for discharge according to diagnostic data. However, ReDS revealed signs of pulmonary congestion. These patients received additional diuretic therapy that prolonged hospital-stay by [2—2] days and reduced ReDS values from 38% [33—41] to 35% [31—36] (p=0.011). Weight of patients decreased by 2.5 kg (1—3.5). ReDS was associated with lower rate of hospitalizations within 6 months compared to the control group (10 patients in the ReDS group (14.1%), 30 patients in the control group (40.5%), p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate advisability of ReDS for patients with ADHF to determine the effectiveness of therapy and patient’s readiness for discharge.