Modern medicine is largely reactive treating illness only after symptoms emerge. But a new study from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) and McGill University points to a more proactive future: one where silent signs of infection are detected before we even feel sick. In a world first, this study has led to the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that can accurately predict acute systemic inflammation an early immune response to viral respiratory tract infections (VRTIs) by analyzing biometric data from a smart ring, a smart watch or a smart shirt.

By detecting immune signals before symptoms appear, the system opens the door to earlier intervention, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs by preventing complications and hospitalizations. By the time an infection is detected based on clinical symptoms or PCR testing, it is generally already well underway, said Dennis Jensen, PhD, senior author of the study, Scientist in The Institute’s Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program and Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education.

By enabling rapid, personalized and objective early warning of systemic inflammatory events due to viral respiratory infections, our predictive tool gives patients and healthcare providers the chance to intervene early before critical health events occur. Acute systemic inflammation is a rapid and intense inflammatory reaction that occurs throughout the body in response to an infection or injury. Although it often resolves on its own, this natural defense mechanism can sometimes lead to serious complications such as organ damage or failure, and even death. This is especially true for vulnerable populations, such as people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/internalmedres/channels/news/montreal-researchers-use-ai-and-wearable-sensors-detect-inflammation-symptoms-appear-366162