The iTrend NXG project launches today (2nd December 2024), a collaboration between University of Derby, University of Nottingham and UHDB Royal Derby Hospital, the 4th iteration of the project runs until 2026.

Starting in 2017 and funded by the MSTART (Medical and Sporting Technology Research Trust) the iTREND project, an acronym for Intelligent Technologies for Renal Dialysis and Diagnostics, is an ambitious, long-term collaboration involving the Universities of Derby and Nottingham alongside the Royal Derby Hospital in the UK. This multidisciplinary research initiative aims to innovate and integrate advanced technologies into the renal dialysis process to enhance patient outcomes. Focusing on personalized treatment, it leverages novel sensor technologies and sophisticated data analysis to monitor and manage the health of patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) more effectively.

A key development under the iTREND framework is the novel technology for continuous, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring during dialysis. Such innovations not only facilitate precise monitoring of patients during dialysis but also introduce a significant shift from traditional methods, enhancing the scope for personalized interventions and improving clinical decision-making processes in real-time.

Overall, the iTREND project stands as a pioneering initiative in the field of renal health, pushing the boundaries of traditional dialysis through intelligent and adaptive technologies. By integrating real-time monitoring, data analysis, and personalized patient interventions, it aims to transform the landscape of renal healthcare, potentially setting new standards for treatment and patient management in the domain of kidney care. This work is already making a difference to the lives of patients experiencing kidney failure, and we’re excited to enter the final phase in which we will investigate using decision support to select appropriate intervention strategies to avoid hypotensive episodes.