Communications of the ACM
Computer Program Predicts Risk of Deadly Irregular Heart Beats
Johns Hopkins University researchers have developed an algorithm that can help identify individuals with a rare heart condition who would benefit from the implantation of a defibrillator.
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Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a computer-based set of rules that more accurately predicts when patients with a rare heart condition might benefit from lifesaving implanted defibrillators.
The research provides physicians with a risk prediction tool to identify patients most likely to benefit from the protection provided by an implantable defibrillator, while preventing others from receiving unnecessary surgery to implant the devices.
The new algorithm was trained on medical record data from 528 patients in five registries based at 14 medical centers in the U.S. and Europe.
Using risk factors derived from previously published studies, the team developed a computer-based mathematical set of consistent rules to predict whether any of the 528 patients might undergo a serious arrhythmia over time.
The researchers found that the model accurately accounted for which patients would have life-threatening events.
Said Johns Hopkins University's Dr. Hugh Calkins, "We believe our findings and the risk calculator we have developed have the potential to contribute to personalized medicine and to high-value health care efforts emerging throughout medical care."
From R&D Magazine
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Abstracts Copyright © 2019 SmithBucklin, Washington, DC, USA
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