Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT1064

Background: Children and adults with a suprasellar (hypothalamic) brain tumor often have excellent survival, but poor outcome due to hypothalamic dysfunction (HD). The hypothalamus, as the key regulator of the body, regulates the anterior pituitary gland, core body temperature, circadian rhythm, sodium and energy balance. Patients with HD experience chronic fatigue, recurrent headaches and inactivity due to hypothalamic imbalances. Patients and families urge us to find a solution because they are overwhelmed by the effort to detect and prevent these imbalances early, as if they were the patient’s “external hypothalamus”. In this project, we aim to develop a smart wearable that can act as an “external hypothalamus” for patients with HD. This wearable must be available 24/7 and continuously monitor body temperature, stress, sleep, daily activity in order to offer support to patients and their families in the management of HD. The aim is to improve outcomes and self-management, and to relieve caregivers.

Methods: By a multidisciplinary team from the Princess Máxima Center, Eindhoven University of Technology and Corsano Health B.V., the Corsano EndoWatch was developed. The EndoWatch consists of a smart wristband that communicates with a phone application via Bluetooth, visualizing measurements to enable continuous health-monitoring. Between June – August 2024, a first pilot study was performed with 10 patients with HD (n = 8 <18 y.o, n = 2 ≥18 y.o), evaluating the adherence (% of hours per day the device was worn by the patient). Usability and desirability of the device were measured by questionnaire and a semi-structured interview.

Results: Adherence was shown to be satisfactory. The device was worn >80% of hours per day by 8/10 patients. Usability and desirability of the device were positively assessed. All families reported that they desire to use this device in the future, provided that certain adjustments are made. The most frequently reported suggestion for improvement was to enable remote monitoring for caregivers on a second interface.

Conclusion: Patients and parents appreciate the development of the EndoWatch that may serve as “external hypothalamus”. We will open a second clinical study in May 2025, including 50 patients (n = 40 <18 y.o, n = 10 ≥18 y.o) with HD, incorporating the suggested approvements that were reported in the pilot study. The primary outcomes of this study are patient reported experiences (PREs) assessed by mid-study (3 months) and end-study questionnaires (6 months). The PREs will play a central role in the further development and certification process of the EndoWatch.