Fitbits may predict relapse in patients with IBD

SAN DIEGO — Fitbits proactively monitored some components of inflammatory bowel disease that could lead to the condition’s relapse, according to a presentation at Digestive Disease Week.

Researchers collected C-reactive protein, colonoscopy data and fecal calprotectin at baseline and at follow-up in patients with IBD to measure ongoing disease activity. The patients also received a Fitbit and proprietary smartphone app to collect data such as daily steps, heart rate and sleep quality.

Of the 56 patients in the final analysis, those with active IBD had fewer daily steps the week before disease assessments and daily steps were predictive of having active disease (mean, 8,241 vs. 6,331, P < .001; area under the curve = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.61-0.69).

Although patients with active disease had a higher resting heart rate the week before assessment, resting heart rate was not predictive of active disease, researchers added.

“Disease activity in IBD is negatively correlated with physical activity, positively correlated with resting heart rate and not clearly correlated in sleep quality,” Philip H. Sossenheimer, MD, of the IBD Center at the University of Chicago, said. “It is possible to predict disease activity in IBD moderately well using data from biosensors and basic clinical characteristics alone.”

For more Healio coverage of this study, please click here. – by Janel Miller and Alex Young

Reference: Sossenheimer PH, et al. Abstract 539. Presented at: Digestive Disease Week; May 18-21, 2019; San Diego.

Disclosures: Sossenheimer reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the meeting disclosure index for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.