LOCONIUS – Artificial intelligence that can save the lives of children with pneumonia
We are beginning to see certain benefits from artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives. But with regard to the youngest children, how can we use AI to save lives? The LOCONIUS team is putting this question to the test. Through the design and use of a low-cost device, pneumonia in babies can be detected and an adequate diagnosis ensured. Although pneumonia can be prevented with timely diagnosis and treatment, it is still one of the main causes of infant mortality. LOCONIUS is an innovative initiative that addresses this problem by developing an algorithm that can be used by AI to process and analyze pulmonary ultrasound exams, determine whether or not the findings show healthy lungs, and provide results about the presence of pneumonia that are easy to interpret. The device is portable and can be used by medical personnel with relatively little training.
Problematic
According to UNICEF, approximately 1.5 million children under 5 years of age die each year from pneumonia, making it one of the main causes of mortality for this age group. This unfortunate reality is most pronounced for children in rural areas and vulnerable situations. Barriers to early detection and adequate care are high in contexts of poverty and limited access to health services. The tools to detect pneumonia have improved, but the equipment is costly and requires the training of medical personnel.
Solution
LOCONIUS, a low-cost ultrasound device that does not use images, is named for its acronym in English: LOw-COst, Non-Imaging UltraSound. It consists of a small, low-cost device that produces an easily interpreted signal to determine the presence of pneumonia and improve the diagnosis. Medical personnel will be able to use the device without requiring intensive training.
Evaluation and Impact
No information available.