Page 104 - Exploring the Potential of Self-Monitoring Kidney Function After Transplantation - Céline van Lint

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Chapter 5
ABSTRACT
Self-monitoring creatinine could decrease the frequency of outpatient visits and improve rejection detection after kidney transplantation. In this non-inferiority trial, the safety and feasibility of self- monitoring creatinine supported by an online self-management system in the first year post- transplantation was investigated.
119 kidney transplant patients were randomized to standard care (N=65) or to self-monitoring creatinine with part of outpatient visits replaced by telephone consults (N=54). Primary outcome was kidney function (eGFR), secondary outcomes included number of visits. Twenty intervention patients were interviewed on their experience with self-monitoring.
No differences were found between intervention and control group for the development of eGFR over time (p. 544). Number of outpatient visits was significantly reduced (p .007), but the degree of reduction was suboptimal. Self-monitoring enhanced early rejection detection in 3 out of 5 cases, none were missed. Satisfaction was high; 95% of the interviewed patients would recommend self- monitoring.
Taking into account the non-inferiority to standard care, the reduction in visits and the high level of satisfaction, self-monitoring may play a useful role in post-transplantation care.