AI Tool to Revolutionize Early Detection of Deadly Heart Disease in Children
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Researchers at Children's National Hospital have developed an AI tool to diagnose rheumatic heart disease early, allowing treatment with penicillin before surgery is needed.
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Rheumatic heart disease results from strep infections and kills 400,000 annually, but often goes undetected until late stages when surgery is the only option.
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The AI tool allows trained nurses to screen children using a simple handheld ultrasound device and tablet with the algorithm.
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Early detection could dramatically reduce the need for expensive surgeries which many developing countries cannot provide enough of currently.
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The AI tool is being tested on up to 200,000 Ugandan children to improve accuracy before regulatory approval.