Revolutionary App for Detecting Jaundice in Asian Newborns Undergoing Trials
SINGAPORE: A groundbreaking app may soon revolutionize the way parents detect jaundice in their newborns, particularly in Asian babies. Neonatal jaundice, affecting 60 percent of infants and 80 percent of premature babies, has prompted Singapore General Hospital (SGH) to develop an innovative solution that could be a game-changer in infant healthcare.
DEVELOPING THE APP
Traditionally, newborns undergo screening for jaundice through frequent clinic visits, which can be cumbersome for parents and expose infants to potential airborne diseases. The principal investigator, Dr. Alvin Ngeow, highlighted the challenges parents face in the early stages, such as lack of sleep and postpartum recovery. Recognizing these stressors, the app was designed to enable parents to check for jaundice accurately from the safety and comfort of their homes.
Unlike existing apps that rely on a single point of reference, this app developed by SGH in collaboration with SingHealth Polyclinics and Synapxe takes readings from the chest and abdomen, catering to both lighter and darker skin tones of Asian babies. The accuracy of the app was validated in a study published in JAMA Network Open, with results showing precise readings compared to blood tests.
HIGH ACCURACY
Dr. Ngeow emphasized the app’s high accuracy, noting that it did not miss a single case of significant jaundice among the 550 babies screened in the study’s first phase. Clinical associate professor Tan Ngiap Chuan hailed the app as a potential game-changer in infant care, providing comfort and confidence to parents while preserving babies’ brain health. Plans are underway to integrate the app with teleconsultation services, enhancing parental support.
However, the app is still in the testing phase, with plans for a nationwide pilot involving 2,000 babies across different phone models and operating systems. Despite its promising results, comprehensive testing over the next 18 months will be crucial before the app can be officially launched. The collaboration between pediatric hospitals and polyclinics underscores the potential impact of this innovative solution on infant healthcare in Singapore.
As a parent myself, I understand the anxiety and challenges that come with caring for a newborn. The idea of being able to monitor my baby’s health from home using a simple app is truly groundbreaking. I can only imagine the relief and peace of mind this innovation will bring to countless parents, especially those with premature or at-risk infants. The app’s potential to prevent long-term complications and ensure early intervention is truly remarkable, reflecting a significant leap forward in infant healthcare.