Cystic fibrosis patients test out mobile support

Encouraging early results have been seen in trials of a mobile device to support people living with the life-limiting genetic condition, cystic fibrosis.

The system, which uses an electronic lung function meter connected to an Xda II from O2, a colour PDA with mini PC capability and a mobile handset an integrated device. The Xda II gathers, records and submits accurate lung function and patient symptom data in real-time to clinicians.

Developed by Oxford-based company e-San, in conjunction with the department of engineering science at Oxford University, it has been used in the trial for the past year with 25 patients in Bristol and the South-west of England.

By collecting the feedback supplied by patients using the system, clinicians are able to assess the severity of their symptoms. Doctors are becoming adept at interpreting the information in a way that allows them, in some cases, to predict deterioration in the patient’s condition and to take proactive measures to reduce the severity of a clinical event.

O2 has invested around £250,000 in the trial, conducted by Dr Nabril Jarad of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre of Bristol Royal Infirmary. The study is planned to roll out to 50 patients and the results will be submitted for scientific publication.

Dr Neil Townsend, technical director of e-San, said: "Early research has shown that effective management of cystic fibrosis reduces the severity of symptoms and the risk of hospitalisation. It is hoped that diagnostic information gathered during this trial will provide guidance regarding future treatments for each individual, reduce hospitalisation and improve life expectancy."

Mike Short, vice-president of research and development, O2, added: "We believe that wireless solutions can offer a much wider range of patient-centred benefits in healthcare, thus reducing the burden on busy hospitals and health care centres. The wireless cystic fibrosis monitoring system will provide for better management and diagnosis of this condition, and is just one example of our commitment to finding more solutions for better wireless or remote healthcare.”

e-San were winners in “Most Innovative Product” category of the E-Health Innovation Awards 2005, organised by Intellect and E-Health Insider. The winning entry was a similar self-monitoring system, but was used with diabetes patients.

There are more than 7,500 cystic fibrosis patients in the UK and five babies are born every week with the condition, according to information provided by the researchers. It is a life-limiting disease that affects the lungs and digestive system, and causes severe and unpleasant symptoms.

Though gene therapy offers hope for the future, the current clinical focus is on maximising the quality of patients’ lives with careful management. However, many under-estimate their symptoms and seek help too late; which may lead to lung damage and accelerate respiratory failure.