Impact of automated peritoneal dialysis remote monitoring on hospitalization events

Objectives : The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of automated peritoneal dialysis (PD) automated remote monitoring (ARM) on hospitalization rate and length of stay. Material and Methods: This longitudinal observational study was carried out on 92 adult participants on automated PD (APD). It involved four hospitals from two Arab Gulf Countries. All participants were connected to the Sharesource Platform and observed for 6 months from January 2022 to June 2022 . Patients were monitored for adherence to APD therapy and troubleshooting during therapy, and the early detection and management of PD complications and their role in the reduction of hospitalization rate. Findings were then compared to the status a year before connection to ARM. Results: Females accounted for 58% of patients, and the participants’ mean age was 51.2 (standard deviation ±17.8) years. Diabetes was the most common cause of kidney failure. Infectious complications were reported in ten patients, non-infectious complications in 13 patients, and admission for PD complications in 13 patients, compared with 20, 23, and 17 patients before ARM application, respectively. Non-infectious complications such as altered ultrafiltration (UF) status, fluid management, and catheter-related issues were detected early by ARM and managed at the PD Clinic without hospitalization. However, PD-related peritonitis required admission. Conclusion: ARM allows early detection and outpatient management of problems, in particular, non-infectious complications. It also detects adherence to prescribed therapy and offers safer and better-quality treatment. It also lowers hospitalization rates and length of hospital stay. However, the incidence of peritonitis-related hospitalization remains as same as before the ARM application.