Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK is revolutionizing kidney care with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict kidney failure more efficiently. The AI tool, developed by Professor Albert Ong and his team, analyzes total kidney volume to forecast the lifespan of kidneys in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
Traditionally, kidney enlargement measurements from patient MRI scans were manually analyzed by experts, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, the AI tool automates this process, providing accurate results in less than a minute, which is a significant improvement compared to the previous hour-long manual analysis per patient case.
The AI, trained by Principal Scientist Jonathan Taylor using hundreds of kidney MRI scans, performs on par with human experts but at six times the speed. This groundbreaking technology not only accelerates the prediction of kidney failure but also enhances the accuracy of the prognosis, crucial for early intervention in ADPKD patients.
Professor Ong highlighted the importance of early prediction in patients with ADPKD, as kidney failure is irreversible once it occurs, necessitating dialysis or transplant for treatment. By offering a quick and precise method to measure kidney volume, the AI tool has the potential to revolutionize kidney clinics globally, particularly in areas lacking specialized expertise.
This innovation holds promise for improving patient outcomes and streamlining the management of ADPKD, benefiting individuals at risk of kidney failure and enhancing the overall efficiency of kidney clinics worldwide.
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