Glucose concentration monitoring using near-infrared spectrum of spent dialysis fluid in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. Diabetic nephropathy leading to end-stage renal disease is a major health problem worldwide. Hemodialysis treatment is associated with glycemia variations. Diabetic patients on hemodialysis might benefit from a noninvasive online glycemia monitoring system. The aim of this study was to assess the glucose concentration from the matrix of the spent dialysate fluid using Near infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy. Methods. Blood samples and spent dialysate have been collected in the 15th minute of the hemodialysis treatment from 15 patients. The spent dialysis fluid has been characterized by a NIR spectrometer in the range of 900-1300 nm. In order to apply the artificial neural network (ANN) and train it, the MATLNFTOOL program was used. The testing and training of the ANN were executed using the NIR spectrum of the spent dialysis fluid as input, and the glucose concentration as output. Results. A significant correlation in excess of 93% between the NIR spectrum of the spent dialysate and the blood glucose concentration (3-9 mmol/l) has been found. Conclusions. NIR spectroscopy is a noninvasive and reliable method of glycemia monitoring which can be used in maintenance hemodialysis patients.