Among the most frequent causes of acute illness and chronic disease in the world is respiratory insufficiency. This problem is due to the impaired oxygenation of the body and is associated with primary lung diseases, including bronchitis, asthma and epiglottitis. This is usually diagnosed when a patient experiences dyspnoea, cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms. The severity of these respiratory insufficiency symptoms depends on a number of factors, including a patient’s age, smoking habits, occupation, and physical conditions. Detecting a respiratory insufficiency symptom at an early stage is often difficult, since these symptoms may be masked or ignored. However, a better approach to monitoring can help improve a patient’s outcomes.
The present invention relates to a respiratory insufficiency diagnosis and monitoring system. The system includes a plurality of recorded measures and a database that stores and analyzes this information. The system also includes an analysis module that compares the recorded measures to predefined indicator thresholds. The system provides a patient status indicator, including the status quo, disease onset, and disease progression. In addition, it provides a disease prognosis and other pertinent medical information. The results of the monitoring can be evaluated by an external medical device, or manually.
The method consists of collecting cardiopulmonary information of the patient on a substantially continuous basis by using an external medical device, storing this information in a database, and periodically comparing the information to a set of predetermined cutoff levels. This information is then organized into a monitoring set for the patient. Each monitoring set is assigned to a particular patient and retrieved from the database when needed.
The method of claim 14 further comprises determining probabilistic weightings of the change in the pathophysiological status of the patient when statistical deviation occurs. The method also includes determining a linear fit from a predefined indicator threshold. These measures correspond to physiological measures, including the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PACO2), and are used to diagnose respiratory insufficiency. These measures are developed from the stored device measures and are calculable.
Depending on the level of deterioration, the method may include a revision of the respiratory insufficiency finding. This process evaluates the changes in the factors that were present during the onset of the disease. This process is typically tempered in patients with chronic and slowly progressing disease states. The routine for determining the progression of respiratory insufficiency can be shown in FIGS.14A through 14C. In addition to the above-described steps, the methods can also be used to track respiratory insufficiency trends. These trends are based on patient information and can be measured, tracked, and monitored remotely, or by a medical device. The methods can also be integrated into a continuous monitoring program.
The underlying objective of the present invention is to provide a respiratory insufficiency diagnosis, screening, and monitoring system that can identify other health disorders that have a similar symptomatology. This will help improve the care of a patient, and potentially lead to fewer expenses.
