Real-time, once-daily monitoring of symptoms and FEV in cystic fibrosis patients--a feasibility study using a novel device.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated feasibility and value of a real-time electronic monitoring system adapted for early detection of cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations (P Exs).
METHODS: This was a 6-month prospective study. Patients recorded once daily their symptom score and spirometry using an electronic diary. The data were sent daily to the research team in real time. P Ex was considered to be present when change in symptoms and lung function values met a preset criteria. Number of P Exs during the study was compared with a parallel period of the previous and of the following years.
RESULTS: Only 19 patients (37.2%) completed recording that could be evaluated. A total of 53 P Exs were identified, 26 (49.0%) of which needed intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The number of total P Exs in the study year did not differ from the previous or the following year, but the number of courses of oral antibiotics was greater than those given during the previous year.
CONCLUSION: Remote daily monitoring of symptoms and spirometry had a poor uptake among CF patients. For those who completed the study, this method early detected P Exs that were treated with oral antibiotics that might otherwise required IV antibiotics.