Using machine learning to predict pediatric brain injury

IMAGE: ECMO machines such as this one save countless lives, but in some cases can lead to brain injury. A UT Southwestern study used machine learning to accurately predict which babies... view more DALLAS - Oct. 1, 2020 - When newborn babies or children with heart or lung distress are struggling to survive, doctors often turn to a form of life support that uses artificial lungs. This treatment, called Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), has been credited with saving countless lives. But in some cases, it can also lead to long-term brain injury. Now, a research team led by UT Southwestern scientists has shown that a machine learning program can predict, more accurately than doctors, which babies and children are most likely to suffer brain injury after ECMO.