Dry weight predictor

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for predicting / estimating the dry weight of an individual, e.g., a patient undergoing dialysis treatment, are provided. The techniques employ a bioimpedance measurement (303) on the individual's calf (101) to obtain information regarding the extracellular fluid volume of the calf. Using a measurement of the calf's circumference (309), a resistivity value is calculated, normalized by the individual's body mass index (BMI), and then offset by a reference value to obtain a new variable, nRho, which is shown, by comparison with a "gold standard" (FIGS. 5-9), to be highly effective in predicting / estimating dry weight (FIGS. 10-13 and 15-16). The techniques are easy to use and provide accurate dry weight predictions / estimations without substantially adding to the complexity or cost of dialysis procedures.; The techniques can also be used for individuals who are not renal patients, e.g., patients suffering from other diseases in which fluid overload can occur, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and the like.

Description

[0001] Related cases for cross-referencing of US national phase applications [0002] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 393,544, filed October 15, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates to prediction / estimation of dry weight for an individual. Although an approximate value, knowledge of the individual dry weight is particularly important for renal patients undergoing dialysis procedures. Background technique [0004] Hydration status is an important issue in long-term dialysis patients and is related to clinical outcome. Chronic overhydration is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular dilatation, arterial hypertension, and eventually development of congestive heart failure. In addition to chronic hyperhydration, higher intradialysis weight gain further increases the burden on the cardio...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This is partly due to the lack of an established "gold standard" for dry weight determination

Furthermore, the intradialytic approach presents added cost and complexity to the dialysis procedure (which is itself already expensive and time-consuming)

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