Validation of a computerised measurement system for guided routine evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy

Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 1996 Nov;51(3):211-6. doi: 10.1016/s0169-2607(96)01774-9.

Abstract

A study for evaluating the use of the Cardionomic system was conducted in six Italian Centres for Diabetes. Cardionomic is a portable computerised system that is used for a guided step-by-step performance of several cardiovascular tests for autonomic neuropathy (heart rate and blood pressure). It has been compared to the traditional method using an electrocardiograph. In this study, which involved 74 diabetic patients, 392 cardiovascular tests were conducted with the electrocardiograph and 392 were done using the portable system. The results were compared to the results obtained with the ECG assuming the latter as the standard ones. All the indices of validity that were investigated (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio) indicate that the proposed system is reliable. Because it saves a considerable amount of time and is also easy to use, it represents a valid alternative for the routine screening of autonomic neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cardiovascular System / innervation*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / diagnosis*
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / prevention & control
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted*
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Sensitivity and Specificity