Using mobile technology to diagnose genetic conditions in low-resource areas
Mobile Diagnosis of Congenital Genetic Conditions: A Model for Screening and Surveillance in Low-Resource Settings
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11012899
This study is working on creating easy-to-use mobile health tools that help doctors in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo quickly identify genetic conditions, starting with Down syndrome, so they can provide better care for children who need it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11012899 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and implement mobile health tools to accurately diagnose congenital genetic conditions, particularly in low-resource settings like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By utilizing AI-guided smartphone technology, the project will screen for syndromic conditions, starting with Down syndrome and expanding to other genetic disorders. The approach includes training local healthcare workers to use these tools effectively, thereby enhancing diagnostic capabilities and improving health outcomes for affected children. The project also seeks to establish a registry to monitor health outcomes and inform public health strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children under 11 years old, particularly those in low-resource settings who may be at risk for congenital genetic conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with congenital conditions who are already diagnosed or those living in high-resource settings may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early diagnosis and management of congenital genetic conditions in underserved populations, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using mobile technology for health diagnostics, indicating that this approach could be effective in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VILAIN, ERIC J. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: VILAIN, ERIC J.
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.