AI Program Accurately Predicts Dangerous Pregnancy Complication
Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence program that, in early testing, accurately predicted a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication often missed by current screening methods. The development offers a promising new tool for improving maternal health outcomes.
The condition, known as placenta accreta spectrum, occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall and doesn’t detach properly after childbirth. This can lead to severe postpartum bleeding, sometimes requiring hysterectomy, and in rare cases, even death. According to researchers presenting at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine meeting in Las Vegas, approximately 30% of women with the condition are diagnosed beforehand, as it can be difficult to detect with standard ultrasound imaging.
The new AI program analyzed ultrasound data collected during pregnancy from 113 women considered at risk due to a prior Cesarean section or other contributing factors. The program correctly identified all cases of placenta accreta spectrum and 75% of pregnancies without the condition. 82% of those who tested positive were actually found to have the condition, while all those who tested negative were confirmed to be free of it. Reuters reports that the findings suggest the AI could significantly improve early detection rates.
“This AI program has the potential to be a game-changer in identifying and managing placenta accreta spectrum,” said the developers. Sky News Arabia notes that early detection is crucial for planning appropriate delivery strategies and minimizing risks for both mother and baby.
The research highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, offering the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Sawt Beirut International adds that further studies are needed to validate the program’s performance in larger and more diverse populations.
