2024-09-16 09:45:15
Gestational alcohol disorder is an illness caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. It includes a large number of physical, mental, behavioral and cognitive anomalies. The most serious form within this spectrum is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). It is characterized by morphological abnormalities (especially craniofacial defects), delayed development and cognitive, behavioral, social and educational changes (due to developmental problems of the central nervous system).
Researchers from the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) in Barcelona have put together a study that demonstrates the effectiveness of a new method that allows early diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome, improving the quality of those lives. affected and their families.
Specialists from La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, the University of Barcelona (UB) and the International University of Valencia, in Spain, have also worked on the research.
The team, led by Anna Ramos-Triguero, from IDIBAPS and UB, has proven the effectiveness of a machine learning algorithm (artificial intelligence modality) in the early diagnosis of fetal alcohol disorder.
The chosen algorithm was trained using sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables, from a database that is entirely composed of data from children examined at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. Researchers analyzed clinical and neuropsychological data to develop models that could identify early signs of FASD in children.
Machine learning algorithms (a form of artificial intelligence) can help with early diagnosis of FASD. (Credit: Amazing Things/NCYT)
Diagnosing FASD can sometimes be challenging because of its similarities to other disorders, such as autism or hyperactivity. Therefore, this new tool can help with a faster and more accurate diagnosis, which will allow timely interventions to improve the quality of life of those affected, avoiding wrong diagnoses.
The results show that patients with Fetal Alcohol Disorder show specific physical and psychological disorders, and the algorithms identify patterns by subtype of Fetal Alcohol Disorder, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). ), partial FAS (pFAS) and relative alcohol. Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).
“Prevention of pregnancy alcohol disorder is everyone’s responsibility and it involves avoiding drinking alcohol during pregnancy and from the time the woman decides to become pregnant. There is no amount of alcohol that can be safely consumed during pregnancy,” said Dr. Oscar García-Algar, Director of Research and Innovation of the Neonatology Service at the Clínic Hospital.
The study is titled “Machine learning algorithms to early diagnosis of fetal alcohol disorders.” And it has been published in the academic journal Frontiers in Neuroscience. (Source: Hospital Clínic de Barcelona)
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