Daily remote peritoneal dialysis monitoring: an adjunct to enhance patient care.

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred dialysis modality in children, but it relies on the patient or caregiver to perform dialysis daily at home. We describe the utilization of a modem transmission system in 2 pediatric PD patients to improve communication with the dialysis team, monitor compliance via frequent remote data collection, and decrease dialysis-related complications. A home dialysis modem was provided for each patient and connected to the home telephone line by the dialysis nurse. PD treatment data were transmitted daily to the dialysis unit, records entered into the patient's electronic medical record, and reviewed by the patient's PD nurse and/or pediatric nephrologist and adjustments made accordingly. This resulted in improved medical outcomes specifically related to fluid balance and cardiovascular health, ultimately facilitating renal transplantation in each case. In summary, the use of the ProCard (Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, Illinois, USA) has improved the ability to monitor home PD patients effectively. However, the additional use of the modem to transmit data on a more frequent basis can further enhance the care of chronic continuous cycling PD patients and should be considered in more challenging medical situations.