Systems and methods for identifying depressive symptoms of dialysis patients

Abstract

Detailed herein are systems, methods, and devices for detecting depressive symptoms of domestic dialysis patients. These systems, methods, and apparatuses may be embodied in home dialysis systems. A home dialysis system may be configured to perform home dialysis treatment on a patient. During home dialysis treatment, the home dialysis system may be configured to detect one or more depressive symptoms and generate a medical alert based on the detected one or more symptoms.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 414,781, filed on October 10, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to treating kidney disease and, more particularly, to systems and methods for identifying depressive symptoms in dialysis patients. Background Art

[0003] For many patients, home dialysis offers numerous advantages over in-center dialysis, including improved health outcomes and faster recovery times. However, effective treatment requires that home patients use the dialysis system correctly and consistently. Any barriers to consistent use can become a barrier to recovery, causing patients to seek costly interventions and remedial treatments.

[0004] Depression is one such barrier, and by some estimates, it may affect as many as 40% of dialysis patients. People with depression may not use their home dialysis equipment properly or consistently. Home treatments often involve fewer clinic visits and less direct contact with medical professionals, which can be a barrier to diagnosing depression, resulting in depression often going undetected in home dialysis patients.

[0005] In view of these and other considerations, the present improved scheme may be useful. Summary of the invention

[0006] This summary is used to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may include the following aspects and embodiments: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for detecting depressive symptoms in a home dialysis patient may include a home dialysis system. The home dialysis system may be configured to perform home dialysis treatment on the patient. During the home dialysis treatment, the home dialysis system may be configured to detect one or more depressive symptoms. The home dialysis system generates a medical alert based on the detected one or more symptoms. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for detecting depressive symptoms during home dialysis may include performing home dialysis treatment on a patient. The method may also include detecting one or more depressive symptoms during the home dialysis treatment. The method may also include generating a medical alert based on the detected one or more symptoms. -According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program executable by a controller for detecting depressive symptoms during home dialysis may include performing home dialysis treatment on a patient; detecting one or more depressive symptoms during the home dialysis treatment; and generating a medical alert based on the detected symptoms. - In the above and other various embodiments of the present disclosure: *One or more symptoms of depression may be sleep behavior. *Home dialysis treatments can be performed at least partially while the patient sleeps. *The method may also include identifying a time window associated with sleep behavior and scheduling the home dialysis treatment to occur within the identified time window. *Home dialysis treatment may be peritoneal dialysis treatment including a dwell period. *Home dialysis treatments can be scheduled so that the dwell period occurs within the identified treatment window. *Data is detected by medical sensors integrated into the home dialysis system. *The medical sensor is a pulse oximeter. *The medical sensor is an electrocardiograph. *The medical sensor is a photoplethysmography device or an optical heart rate monitor. *The medical sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.

[0007] Further features and aspects will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] By way of example, embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a system for identifying depressive symptoms in dialysis patients according to the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a controller for a home dialysis unit according to the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for identifying depressive symptoms in dialysis patients according to the present disclosure;

[0012] Figures 4A-4B An exemplary embodiment of a dialysis machine in a dialysis system configured in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Although the systems and methods described herein are related to the treatment of renal diseases such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is understood that similar systems and methods can also be implemented in settings other than the treatment of renal diseases or for the treatment of patients other than patients with renal diseases. For example, the systems and methods according to the present disclosure can be used to provide similar methods for identifying depressive symptoms during treatments other than dialysis.

[0014] Dialysis machines are known for treating kidney disease. Two main dialysis methods are hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). During hemodialysis, the patient's blood passes through the dialyzer of the hemodialysis machine, and the dialysate also passes through the dialyzer. The semipermeable membrane in the dialyzer separates the blood from the dialysate in the dialyzer, allowing diffusion and osmotic exchange between the dialysate and the bloodstream. During peritoneal dialysis, the patient's peritoneal cavity is regularly infused with dialysate or dialysis solution. The membranous lining of the patient's peritoneum acts as a natural semipermeable membrane, allowing diffusion and osmotic exchange between the solution and the bloodstream. Automated peritoneal dialysis machines, known as peritoneal dialysis cyclers, are intended to control the entire peritoneal dialysis process so that it can be performed at home, usually at night, without the presence of clinical staff.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure may include a system 100 for treating progression of a renal disease, such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and / or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with CKD and / or ESRD are patients receiving long-term care for their renal disease, such as by dialysis. For example, some patients may receive peritoneal dialysis treatment as described above (see also Figures 4A-4B ).

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, system 100 includes a care coordination system 105 and a home dialysis unit 110. Care coordination system 105 communicates with home dialysis unit 110 and other medical professionals and systems responsible for patient care. Care coordination system 105 enables medical professionals to monitor home dialysis treatment over time and communicate changes to dialysis treatment parameters and schedules to home dialysis unit 110 when necessary.

[0017] The home dialysis unit 110 includes a controller 112, a display 114, a user input interface 116, a dialysis cycler 118, a power supply 120, and a plurality of sensors 122. In actual applications, the number of sensors 122 can be one or more. Here, three sensors are shown for clarity of illustration. The controller 112 communicates with the other components of the home dialysis unit 110 to send and receive signals as required by the operation of the unit 110.

[0018] The display 114 can be a local output device known in the art for communicating with each user of the home dialysis unit 110 (including any patient and / or operator of the unit, such as a medical professional, nurse, or caregiver). The user input interface 116 can be any input mechanism by which a user of the home dialysis unit 110 (whether a patient or an operator) can enter data, and in some embodiments, the user input interface 116 can be integrated with the display 114 (for example, when the user interface 116 includes a capacitive touch sensor superimposed on the display 114). The display 114 and / or the user input interface 116 can be removed from the home dialysis unit 110 in whole or in part to enable remote control. In some embodiments, the user's mobile device can communicate with the home dialysis unit 110 to perform some or all of the functions of the display 114 and / or the user interface 116.

[0019] The dialysis cycler 118 includes the pumps, filters, chambers, valves, fluid lines, and other components necessary to perform dialysis on a patient in a home environment. Figure 4A An example of a dialysis cycler is shown and described in -B.

[0020] The power supply 120 provides power to enable the other components of the home dialysis unit 110 to operate. In some embodiments, different components of the unit 110 can operate on separate or redundant power supplies. A portable power source, such as a battery or a generator, can be provided. The power supply 120 can include an adapter to accommodate residential voltage and current settings. Care should be taken to ensure that regulatory guidelines regarding powering medical devices are followed.

[0021] A variety of sensors 122 are included in the home dialysis unit 110. Some sensors 122 are necessary for conducting the home dialysis treatment itself, such as fluid temperature and pressure sensors associated with the dialysis cycler 118. Certain sensors 122 are also provided for monitoring the status of the patient.

[0022] In various embodiments of the present invention, any or all of the following sensors may be included: -Electrical sensors. These include electrocardiographs, electroencephalographs, heart rate monitors, and other sensors that detect a patient's vital signs by sensing electrical activity and / or resistivity changes. -Optical sensors. These include photoplethysmography, optical heart rate monitors, pulse oximeters, and other sensors that detect patient vital signs and collect data by measuring the refraction and / or diffusion of light within the patient's body and / or dialysate. - Acoustic wave sensors (acoustic sensors). These include ultrasound sensors and other sensors that collect data by measuring the interaction of sound waves with the patient and / or the dialysate. - Motion sensors. These include mechanical and capacitive devices such as accelerometers used to measure unexpected movement of machinery and / or patient motion.

[0023] Each sensor 122 can be integrated into the home dialysis unit 110 or added to the system as a stand-alone component. In some embodiments, preparing a patient for dialysis treatment may include deploying one or more sensors on the patient. For example, an electrical sensor can be attached to the patient's skin, an optical sensor can be attached to the patient's limbs, an acoustic sensor can be deployed along one or more fluid lines, and a motion sensor can be affixed to the patient's head or arm.

[0024] When the sensor 122 is integrated into the home dialysis unit 110, the sensor 122 can be configured to be deployed when the components of the dialysis cycler 118 are connected to the patient for treatment. For example, the fluid line connected to the patient's feed line can also include wires for one or more sensors 122. The sensor 122 can be attached to the patient near the feed line deployment location.

[0025] The sensors 122 may have separate displays, but some sensors may be configured to provide signals only to the controller 112. For example, a pulse oximeter sensor placed on a patient's finger during dialysis treatment may not include a separate pulse oximeter display, but may transmit raw and / or pre-processed data to the controller 112 for recording, analysis, and / or display. In some configurations, the display 114 on the unit 110 may provide the output of the pulse oximeter and other sensors 122 upon user request.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the controller 112 is a computing system including a processor 202, a memory 204, and a data storage 206. The controller 112 includes modules associated with each function performed by the home dialysis unit. In some embodiments, the modules described herein with respect to the controller 112 can be run locally within the home dialysis unit, but it can be appreciated that some or all operations can also be performed remotely using a remote cloud-based architecture or other means.

[0027] The controller 112 includes a communication module 208 that can communicate with the care coordination system via the Internet or other means. The communication module 208 can be used to access remote patient data and receive instructions for scheduling and configuring patient treatment. The accessed data and stored configuration information can be stored as data 220 in the data storage 206 until accessed by the controller 112. In some embodiments, notifications intended for the patient or family caregiver can be provided to the home unit via the communication module 208.

[0028] The controller 112 includes a cycler control module 210 that regulates the function of the dialysis cycler 118 within the home dialysis unit 110. In some embodiments, the cycler control module 210 may include means for detecting the presence of components (e.g., fluid bags and / or filter cartridges) required to perform dialysis via the dialysis cycler 118. Logic associated with the cycler control module 210 may limit the use of the dialysis cycler 118 if the appropriate components are not detected.

[0029] The sensor control module 212 manages the control of one or more sensors associated with the home dialysis unit 110. In some embodiments, the sensor control module 212 can receive data from the sensor and determine whether to store the data 220 in a local data store 220, whether to send the data for further analysis via the communication module 208, and / or whether to generate an alert related to the data via the user interface module 216. The sensor control module 212 can ensure that the sensor is properly configured and deployed before collecting data. In some embodiments, if the sensor is not properly deployed, the controller 112 may postpone or suspend the patient's dialysis treatment until the sensor problem is identified and resolved.

[0030] Although described as a single module, it is understood that when a home dialysis unit deploys multiple sensors, there may be multiple sensor control modules 212, each assigned to a different sensor. The amount and type of data collected from different sensors may vary, and each sensor may be independently configured by the controller 112 or by instructions received from a care coordination server or other source.

[0031] The scheduling module 214 is used to manage treatment times based on received medical requests and other constraints provided to the controller 112. These constraints may include the patient's sleep cycle, as some dialysis procedures are best performed while the patient is asleep.

[0032] When it is necessary to collect certain sensor data from a patient, the treatment schedule may be modified. For example, one potential indicator for checking for signs of depression is the patient's pulse while sleeping at a specific time at night. The scheduling module 214 can schedule dialysis treatments to occur at relevant times so that the sensors can collect the required data.

[0033] If the treatment includes multiple phases, and the patient is more likely to be asleep during a certain phase, the treatment time can be adjusted to ensure that the appropriate phase is performed during the time when the sleep data is collected. For example, cyclic peritoneal dialysis includes a "dwell" phase during which the cyclic pump activity is minimized as the dialysate remains in the patient's body. Since the patient is encouraged to sleep during this phase, the scheduling module 214 can schedule the treatment so that the "dwell" phase is expected to occur at this critical time.

[0034] The controller 112 also includes a user interface module 216 for receiving input from and sending output to patients and other users of the home dialysis unit 110. The user interface module 216 can control the display 114 and user input interface 116 of the unit 110. The module 216 can display alarms and messages. In some embodiments, the user can adjust the settings of the home dialysis unit 110, including treatment settings within medically acceptable ranges.

[0035] It is worth noting that the memory 204 may include instructions 218 executable by the processor 202, which, when executed, cause the controller 112 to perform functions corresponding to the components within the controller 112. For example, the memory 204 may include instructions for scheduling routines, which, when executed by the processor 202, cause the controller to implement the functions described by the scheduling module 214. For another example, the memory 204 may include instructions for generating and receiving interactions with a user interface, which, when executed by the processor 202, cause the controller to implement the functions described by the user interface 216.

[0036] Figure 3 An exemplary process 300 for identifying depressive symptoms during dialysis treatment is shown. At step 302, a home dialysis unit receives treatment data representing one or more dialysis treatments to be performed on a patient. The treatment data may include fluid volumes, timing, temperature and / or pressure limits, and any other parameters for properly setting up and controlling a dialysis cycler. For example, the processor 202, while executing instructions 218 stored in the memory 204, may receive an information element (e.g., from a care coordination system 105, etc.) including information indicating a dialysis treatment to be performed by the home dialysis unit 110.

[0037] At step 304, the time of the scheduled treatment is compared to determine if the treatment corresponds to the time window in which data is to be collected. The processor 202 can compare the data 220 from the data storage 206 and the instructions 218 from the memory 204 (including the preferred time window for data collection) with the scheduled schedule from the scheduling module 214. If the times do not match, the scheduling module 214 will adjust the treatment schedule (treatment plan) (step 306). For example, heart rate data can be collected between 2 am and 4 am and between 4 am and 6 am. The scheduling module 214 can adjust the scheduled treatment time to start at 1 am so that the treatment is performed within this time window.

[0038] In some embodiments, if the processor 202 determines based on the data 220 and instructions 218 that a treatment phase is more appropriate for data collection, the scheduling module 214 can adjust so that the treatment phase is most likely to occur within the time window or multiple time windows. For example, in the case of cyclic peritoneal dialysis and data collection times of 2 to 4 a.m. and 4 to 6 a.m., the treatment can be adjusted so that the drain / fill phase occurs around 4 a.m., thereby ensuring that the data collection window is as undisturbed as possible during the dwell phase.

[0039] At step 308, if other conditions may interfere with the depressive symptom data as confounding factors, the home dialysis unit 110 presents a questionnaire to the patient to identify these conditions. For example, questions may ask about the patient's energy level or ability to concentrate to screen for fatigue symptoms. In some embodiments, the questionnaire can be stored in the local data storage 220, and the user interface module 216 can access the questionnaire and present it to the patient or the patient's caregiver through the display 114 on the home dialysis unit 110. In some embodiments, the questionnaire can first be accessed remotely through the communication module 208 and then presented to the user locally. In other embodiments, a website or application can provide the questionnaire to a computer or mobile device accessible to the user. Alternatively, the questionnaire can be provided to a medical professional or other agent and communicated to the patient or caregiver through other means such as face-to-face or telephone conversations. If the questionnaire is provided by the home dialysis unit 110, the answers can be recorded and stored in the data storage 206 as part of the patient's profile and can be remotely communicated to the care coordination system 105. In other embodiments, step 308 can be optional or selectively disabled or skipped by the patient's caregiver or other medical professional.

[0040] If the patient's responses to the questionnaire indicate symptoms of a confounding condition (confusion, interference condition) such as fatigue (step 310), an alert may be sent for the fatigue condition (step 312). The alert may be provided via a display screen of the home dialysis unit and may also be communicated to a care coordination system and a telemedicine professional managing the patient's treatment. In some embodiments, dialysis treatment may be temporarily suspended or adjusted based on the confounding condition. For example, if the processor 202 identifies that the questionnaire answers are consistent with severe fatigue, the circulator control module 210 may be instructed not to initiate dialysis treatment or to reduce the number or duration of cycles performed in the treatment. Similarly, instructions may be sent to the scheduling module 214 to cancel or delay an upcoming scheduled treatment, or to limit the frequency or duration of treatment.

[0041] In some cases, the dialysis treatment may continue as planned, but the processor 202 may adjust how the sensor data is collected or used. For example, if severe fatigue is identified, the recorded data may not be identified as depressive symptoms due to confounding conditions. Therefore, the processor 202 may instruct the sensor control module 212 not to record heartbeats during a previously determined time window, or the processor may receive the sensor data 220 and record it in the data storage 206, but not evaluate the data for depressive symptoms. Alternatively, the range of values ​​that are converted to depressive symptoms may be changed based on the confounding conditions. Certain sensor readings that might otherwise be considered depressive symptoms may be identified by the processor 202 as consistent with fatigue.

[0042] At step 314, if no confounding conditions are found, or if the identified confounding conditions still allow for treatment and data collection, the sensor control module 212 controls the sensors 122 to collect sensor data during dialysis. Any suitable sensor data may be collected, including electrical, optical, acoustic, and / or motion data, as well as other data known in the art. The data 220 may be stored in the data storage 206, and the processor 202 may analyze it to identify the patient's heart rate and other patient vital signs. When the sensor is deployed to measure fluids outside the patient's body, the sensor data 220 may still be analyzed to determine the patient's condition or identify the patient's symptoms.

[0043] At step 316, the patient data is analyzed to determine if it is consistent with depressive symptoms. This analysis may be performed during or after the patient's treatment. The controller 112 may analyze the collected patient data 220 stored in the data storage 206 of the home dialysis unit 110 via the processor 202 and the memory 204. The care coordination system 105 or other connected medical system may analyze the data transmitted from the home dialysis unit 110 via the communication module 208. For example, the heart rate data of a patient's sleep cycle at a particular portion may be analyzed to see if the data is consistent with a biomarker (biomarker data) believed to be associated with depression. A recent study from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore showed that heart rate sensors can be used to screen people for early signs of depression. The study was published in a recent paper: Rykov Y, Thach TQ, Bojic I, Christopoulos G, Car J. Digital Biomarkers for Depression Screening With Wearable Devices: Cross-sectional Study With Machine Learning Modeling. JMIRMhealth Uhealth. 2021Oct 25; 9(10): e24872. doi: 10.2196 / 24872. PMID: 34694233; PMCID: PMC8576601, the entire text of which is incorporated into this article by reference.

[0044] The biomarkers (biological identification data) may be stored in the data storage 206 or may be accessed through the communication module 208. If the local processor 202 or the remote system matches the patient data with a pattern associated with depression, an alarm may be sent (step 318). The alarm may be provided locally through the user interface module 216 and the display 114. The care coordination system 105 may also communicate the alarm to the medical professional. This may prompt further screening for depression or adjustments to the patient's treatment. In some embodiments, identifying depressive symptoms may cause the processor 202 to instruct the circulator control module 210 and the scheduling module 214 to suspend or delay further treatment until further action is taken by the medical professional. In other embodiments, modifications to the dialysis instructions may arrive remotely through the communication module 208, and the controller 112 may then execute these modifications through the processor 202 and the memory 204.

[0045] Figures 4A-4BAn example of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) system 401 is shown, which is configured according to an exemplary embodiment of the system described herein. In some embodiments, the PD system 401 can be a home PD system, i.e., a PD system configured for use in a patient's home. The dialysis system 401 can include a dialysis machine 400 (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis machine 400, also referred to as a PD cycler), which in some embodiments can be placed on a cart 434.

[0046] The dialysis machine 400 may include a housing 406, a door 408, and a cartridge interface including pump heads 442, 444 for contacting a disposable cartridge or a medicine box 415, wherein the medicine box 415 is located in a barrier (e.g., cavity 420) formed between the cartridge interface and the closed door 408. A fluid line 425 may be connected to the medicine box 415 in a known manner (e.g., by a connector), and may also include a valve for controlling the flow of fluid into and out of a fluid bag including fresh dialysate and warm fluid. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the fluid line 425 may be integrated with the medicine box 415. Prior to operation, a user may open the door 408 to insert a new medicine box 415 and remove the used medicine box 415 after operation.

[0047] The medicine box 415 can be placed in the cavity 420 of the machine 400 for operation. During operation, dialysate can flow into the patient's abdomen through the medicine box 415, and used dialysate, waste and / or excess fluid can be discharged from the patient's abdomen through the medicine box 415. The door 408 can be securely closed to the machine 400. The treatment of a patient with peritoneal dialysis may include a total of about 10 to 30 liters of fluid, of which about 2 liters of dialysate is pumped into the patient's abdomen, maintained for a period of time (e.g., about one hour), and then pumped out of the patient's body. This process is repeated until the full treatment volume is reached, usually during the night when the patient is asleep.

[0048] A heater tray 416 can be located on top of the housing 406. The heater tray 416 can be sized and shaped to accommodate a bag of dialysate (e.g., a 5-liter bag of dialysate) for batch heating. The dialysis machine 400 can also include a user interface, such as a touch screen 418 and a control panel 420, which a user (e.g., a caregiver or patient) can operate to, for example, set up, start, and / or terminate a dialysis treatment. In some embodiments, the heater tray 416 can include a heating element 435 for heating the dialysate before it is delivered to the patient.

[0049] The dialysate bag 422 can be hung from a hook on the side of the cart 434 and the heating bag 424 can be placed in the heater tray 416. Hanging the dialysate bag 422 can improve air management because air can drain to the top of the dialysate bag 422 by gravity. Figure 4BFour dialysate bags 422 are shown in the figure, but the dialyzer 400 can be connected to any number "n" of dialysate bags (e.g., 1 to 5 bags, or more), and the reference to the first bag and the second bag does not limit the total number of bags used in the dialysis system 401. In some embodiments, connectors and tube ports can connect the dialysate bags 422 and the pipelines for transmitting the dialysate. The dialysate can be transferred from the dialysate bag 422 to the heating bag 424 in batches. For example, a batch of dialysate can be transferred from the dialysate bag 422 to the heating bag 424, where the dialysate is heated by the heating element 435. When the batch of dialysate reaches a predetermined temperature (e.g., about 98-100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37 degrees Celsius), the batch of dialysate can flow into the patient. The dialysate bag 422 and the heating bag 424 can be connected to the medicine box 415 by the dialysate bag line or pipeline 425 and the heating bag line or pipeline 428, respectively. The dialysate bag line 425 can be used to transfer the dialysate from the dialysate bag 422 to the medicine box when in use, and the heating bag line 428 can be used to transfer the dialysate back and forth between the medicine box and the heating bag 424 when in use. In addition, a patient line 436 and a drain line 432 can be connected to the medicine box 415. The patient line 436 can be connected to the abdomen of the patient through a catheter, and when in use, the dialysate can be transferred back and forth between the medicine box and the patient's peritoneal cavity through pump heads 442, 444. The drain line 432 can be connected to a drain or a drainage container, and when in use, it can be used to transfer the dialysate from the medicine box to the drain or the drainage container.

[0050] Although in some embodiments, the dialysate can be heated in batches as described above, in other embodiments, the dialyzer can heat the dialysate by online heating, such as by causing it to flow continuously through a heating bag between heating elements before the dialysate is delivered to the patient. For example, instead of placing a heating bag for batch heating on a heater tray, one or more heating elements can be disposed inside the dialyzer. The heating bag can be inserted into the dialyzer through an opening. It can also be understood that the heating bag can be connected to the dialyzer through a medicine box via a pipeline (e.g., pipeline 425) or a fluid line. The connection of the pipeline allows the dialysate to flow out of the dialysate bag, be heated by the heating bag, and then be delivered to the patient.

[0051] The touch screen 418 and control panel 420 may allow an operator to input various treatment parameters to the dialysis machine 400 and otherwise control the dialysis machine 400. In addition, the touch screen 418 may function as a display. The touch screen 418 may provide information to the patient and the operator of the dialysis system 401. For example, the touch screen 418 may display information related to the dialysis treatment to be applied to the patient, including information related to the prescription.

[0052] The dialysis machine 400 may include a processing module 402 located inside the dialysis machine 400, the processing module 402 being configured to communicate with a touch screen 418 and a control panel 420. The processing module 402 may be configured to receive data from the touch screen 418, the control panel 420, and sensors (e.g., weight, air, flow, temperature, and / or pressure sensors), and control the dialysis machine 400 based on the received data. For example, the processing module 402 may adjust operating parameters of the dialysis machine 400.

[0053] The dialysis machine 400 can be configured to be connected to the network 403. The connection to the network 403 can be achieved by wired and / or wireless connection. The dialysis machine 400 may include a connection component 404, which is configured to facilitate connection to the network 403. The connection component 404 can be a transceiver for wireless connection and / or other signal processors for processing signals sent and received by wired connection. Other medical devices (e.g., other dialysis machines) or components can be configured to be connected to the network 403 and communicate with the dialysis machine 400.

[0054] The user interface portion, such as the touch screen 418 and / or the display 420, may include one or more buttons for selecting and / or inputting user information. The touch screen 418 and / or the display 420 may be operably connected to a controller (not shown) disposed in the machine 400 for receiving and processing inputs to operate the dialysis machine 400.

[0055] although Figures 4A-4B Exemplary embodiments of dialysis machines in the form of peritoneal dialysis systems are shown, but dialysis machines referenced herein may also include hemodialysis machines, including HD machines designed for in-center use or home use (eg, home hemodialysis machines).

[0056] Some embodiments of the disclosed system may be implemented, for example, using a storage medium, a computer-readable medium, or an article of manufacture, which may store an instruction or a set of instructions that, if executed by a machine (i.e., a processor or a microcontroller), may enable the machine to perform methods and / or operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, a server or database server may include a machine-readable medium configured to store machine-executable program instructions. Such a machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, etc., and may be implemented using a suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, and used in a system, subsystem, component, or component thereof. The computer-readable medium or article of manufacture may include, for example, any suitable type of storage unit, storage device, storage article, storage medium, storage means, storage article, storage medium and / or storage unit, such as memory (including non-transitory memory), removable or non-removable media, erasable or non-erasable media, writable or rewritable media, digital or analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, compact disk-read only (CD-ROM), compact disk-recordable (CD-R), compact disk-rewritable (CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, magneto-optical media, removable memory cards or disks, various types of digital versatile discs (DVDs), magnetic tapes, cassettes, etc. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, encrypted code, etc., implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and / or interpreted programming language.

[0057] As used herein, an element or operation cited in the singular and preceded by "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding multiple elements or operations, unless this is explicitly excluded. In addition, the reference to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also include the described features.

[0058] Where used in this specification and claims, references in the general form of "at least one of [a] and [b]" should be interpreted as disjunctive. For example, references to "at least one of [a], [b], and [c]" will include [a] alone, [b] alone, [c] alone, or any combination of [a], [b], and [c].

[0059] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments described herein. In fact, in addition to those described herein, various other embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the above description and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, although the present disclosure is described herein in the context of a specific implementation for a specific purpose in a specific environment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that its usefulness is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure can be beneficially implemented for any number of purposes in any number of environments. Therefore, the claims set forth below should be interpreted in accordance with the full scope and spirit of the present disclosure as described herein.

Claims

1. A system for detecting depressive symptoms in home dialysis patients, the system include: A home dialysis system configured to: Provide home dialysis treatment to patients; Detection of one or more depressive symptoms during home dialysis treatment; as well as A medical alert is generated based on the detected symptom or symptoms.

2. The system according to claim 1, One of the one or more depressive symptoms is sleep behavior; and Home dialysis treatment is performed at least partially while the patient is asleep.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the home dialysis system is configured and arranged to: Identify time windows associated with sleep behavior; and Home dialysis treatments were scheduled to occur within the identified time window.

4. The system according to claim 3, Wherein the home dialysis treatment is peritoneal dialysis treatment including a dwell period; and Home dialysis treatment is scheduled so that the dwell period occurs within the identified treatment window.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a medical sensor integrated within the home dialysis system, the medical sensor providing data for detecting one or more symptoms of depression.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the medical sensor is a pulse oximeter.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the medical sensor is an electrocardiograph.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the medical sensor is a photoplethysmography device or an optical heart rate monitor.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the medical sensor is an ultrasound sensor.

10. A method for a home dialysis system controller, include: sending a control signal to a home dialysis device, the control signal including an instruction to initiate home dialysis treatment for the patient; During a home dialysis treatment, receiving an indication from a sensor of the home dialysis device; A medical alert is generated based in part on the indication from the sensor, the medical alert including an indication of the detected one or more symptoms of depression.

11. The method according to claim 10, One of the one or more depressive symptoms is sleep behavior; and Home dialysis treatment is performed at least partially while the patient is asleep.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: include: identifying a time window associated with the sleep behavior; as well as Home dialysis treatments were scheduled to occur within the identified time window.

13. The method according to claim 12, Wherein the home dialysis treatment is peritoneal dialysis treatment including a dwell period; and The home dialysis treatment is scheduled such that the dwell period is performed within the identified treatment window.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein data is detected by a medical sensor integrated within the home dialysis system.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the medical sensor is a pulse oximeter.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the medical sensor is an electrocardiograph.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the medical sensor is a photoplethysmography device or an optical heart rate monitor.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the medical sensor is an ultrasound sensor.

19. A system for detecting depressive symptoms during home dialysis, include: Home dialysis equipment; as well as A controller for the home dialysis device, the controller comprising a processing circuit and a memory storage device coupled to the processing circuit, the memory storage device comprising instructions executable by the processing circuit, and when the instructions are executed, causing the controller to: sending a control signal to the home dialysis device, the control signal including an instruction to initiate home dialysis treatment for the patient; Detection of one or more depressive symptoms during home dialysis treatment; and A medical alert is generated based on the detected symptom or symptoms.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein one of the one or more depressive symptoms is sleep behavior, and wherein the home dialysis treatment is performed at least in part while the patient is sleeping.

Images