It’s research appreciation day!
Professor Nicholas Selby, Professor Maarten Taal and their teams at the University of Derby and the University of Nottingham have received a £234,000 Stoneygate project grant to investigate new ways of monitoring patients during treatment.
Low blood pressure episodes can cause symptoms such as cramping, nausea, dizziness and fainting. They can also place stress on important organs. Blood pressure is usually checked at intervals during dialysis sessions, meaning problems may only be identified after symptoms have already begun.
The research team is developing and testing a new method for continuously monitoring blood pressure during dialysis. Their approach uses pressure sensors attached to the plastic tubing of the dialysis machine, allowing clinicians to track changes in real time.
What could this mean for kidney patients?
This technology could enable healthcare teams to identify problems earlier and intervene before symptoms develop, and improve patient safety, reduce discomfort during treatment and help minimise the harmful effects associated with low blood pressure episodes.