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GARBHINI-GA2

29th February, 2024 Health

GARBHINI-GA2

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.pratidintime.com/technology/indian-researchers-develop-accurate-fetal-age-model-for-pregnancy-care

Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute have developed Garbhini-GA2, the first India-specific AI model to accurately determine gestational age (GA) of a fetus in the second and third trimesters.

Details

  • The development of the India-specific artificial intelligence model, Garbhini-GA2, is a significant step towards accurately determining the gestational age of a fetus during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
  • This model has been designed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, as part of the GARBH-Ini program.

Key Points about Garbhini-GA2

  • Precision for Indian Population: The model is specifically tailored for the Indian population, addressing the variations in fetal growth that may not be accurately represented by models designed for Western populations.
  • Reduced Error: Garbhini-GA2 significantly reduces the margin of error in estimating gestational age, making it more reliable compared to existing models. The researchers claim a nearly threefold reduction in error.
  • Clinical Relevance: The accurate estimation of gestational age is crucial for providing appropriate care to pregnant women. It aids in determining the precise date of birth, which can contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
  • Publication in Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia: The findings of the research have been published in the Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, a peer-reviewed journal, emphasizing the scientific validation and scrutiny of the developed model.
  • GARBH-Ini Program: This initiative by the Department of Biotechnology is focused on advanced research on birth outcomes. The Garbhini-GA2 is part of this program, showcasing its commitment to validating and implementing advancements in healthcare across the country.
  • Data Science and AI/ML Techniques: The development of the model involved the application of advanced data science and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) techniques. This highlights the role of cutting-edge technology in improving healthcare outcomes.
  • End-to-End Partnership: The researchers emphasize the importance of collaboration between clinicians and data scientists to ensure that technological advancements are not only technically sound but also clinically relevant. This end-to-end partnership facilitates the seamless integration of solutions into healthcare workflows.

Garbhini-GA2

What is it?

An artificial intelligence (AI) model was developed specifically for India to accurately determine the age of a fetus in the later stages of pregnancy.

Why is it needed?

Current models designed for Western populations can be less accurate when used for the Indian population due to variations in fetal growth.

How does it work?

It uses advanced data science and machine learning techniques on Indian population data to make more precise predictions.

What is the benefit?

It allows doctors to provide better prenatal care, know the due date more accurately, and make decisions that could improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Conclusion

  • The Garbhini-GA2 model represents a significant advancement in the field of maternal and fetal health, catering specifically to the Indian population and aiming to enhance the precision of gestational age estimation.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements accurately describes the GARBHINI-GA2 project?

A) It's a large-scale initiative by the Indian government to promote digital literacy among rural women.

B) It's a public-private partnership aimed at developing and deploying an AI-powered platform for early detection of cervical cancer in pregnant women.

C) It's a research project focused on understanding the factors influencing maternal mortality in low-resource settings.

D) It's a social welfare program providing financial assistance to expectant mothers in India.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Option (A) is incorrect as GARBHINI-GA2 doesn't specifically target digital literacy among rural women.

Option (B) is incorrect as the AI platform is for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus, not cervical cancer.

Option (C) is partially incorrect while the project does aim to reduce maternal mortality, its focus is on gestational diabetes mellitus, not general factors.

Option (D) is correct as GARBHINI-GA2 is a public-private partnership aiming to develop and deploy an AI-based platform for early detection of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women, leveraging SMS-based communication and healthcare worker engagement to improve pregnancy outcomes.