The Dirty Nappy Study
The Dirty Nappy Study: Development and Evaluation of a Machine Learning Algorithm for the Early Detection of Cholestasis and Biliary Atresia From Parent-Provided Images of Dirty Nappies
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
5,350 participants
Apr 1, 2025
OBSERVATIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This observational study evaluates whether a machine-learning algorithm, a computer program that learns patterns from data, can accurately diagnose cholestasis in newborns. Cholestasis refers to reduced or blocked bile flow from the liver, which can lead to liver damage. A severe form of cholestasis is biliary atresia, a condition where the bile ducts are damaged or absent, requiring early treatment to prevent long-term harm. The study involves infants from birth, both healthy and those potentially affected by cholestasis, recruited from four UK hospitals. It addresses two primary aims: * Accuracy of Diagnosis: Can the machine-learning algorithm accurately identify cholestasis and biliary atresia using parent-provided stool images? This will be assessed by measuring sensitivity (the ability to correctly detect true cases) and specificity (the ability to correctly identify infants without the condition). * Feasibility of Screening: Is using parent-provided images a feasible and acceptable screening method for early detection? To evaluate these aims, researchers will compare two groups: * Infants with abnormal stool images who are subsequently diagnosed with cholestasis or biliary atresia. * Infants with normal stool images who do not develop biliary atresia. This comparison will help determine the algorithm's ability to distinguish between infants with and without these conditions. Parents will: * Take smartphone photos of their baby's dirty diapers at 14, 21, and 28 days of age. * Upload the images for analysis by the algorithm. * Provide feedback on their experience with this screening process. The study seeks to determine if parent-submitted stool images can serve as a practical early screening tool for cholestasis, potentially enabling faster diagnosis and improved outcomes for affected infants.
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
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This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
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Locations(1)
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NCT07697872