Using artificial intelligence to improve heart defect diagnosis in newborns in Sub-Saharan Africa
Artificial Intelligence assisted echocardiography to facilitate optimal image extraction for congenital heart defects diagnosis in Sub-Saharan Africa
This study is working on using smart technology to help doctors quickly and accurately find heart problems in newborns, especially in areas where there aren't enough specialists, so families can get the care they need without traveling far.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Health Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buea, CAMEROON) |
| Project ID | NIH-10932160 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the diagnosis of congenital heart defects (CHD) in newborns using artificial intelligence-assisted echocardiography. By optimizing image extraction techniques, the project seeks to address the challenges posed by a shortage of trained experts in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many infants suffer from undiagnosed heart conditions. The approach involves developing AI models that can assist healthcare providers in capturing and interpreting echocardiographic images more effectively, thereby facilitating timely and accurate diagnoses. This could significantly reduce the burden on families who currently face long journeys to specialized centers for diagnosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns under 4 weeks old who are suspected of having congenital heart defects.
Not a fit: Patients with congenital heart defects who are older than 4 weeks or those who do not have access to the participating healthcare facilities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of congenital heart defects in newborns, potentially saving lives and improving health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that AI-assisted diagnostic tools can improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical imaging, suggesting a promising potential for this approach in the context of congenital heart defects.
Where this research is happening
Buea, CAMEROON
- Health Research Foundation — Buea, Cameroon (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leke, Aminkeng Zawuo — Health Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Leke, Aminkeng Zawuo
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.