Researchers Develop India-Specific Model for Accurate Determination of Foetal Age
A breakthrough has been achieved by researchers from the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council – Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), as they introduce an India-specific model to precisely determine the age of a foetus during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The conventional formula used for gestational age (GA) determination, developed for Western populations, often results in errors when applied to the Indian population due to variations in foetal growth. The newly developed model, Garbhini-GA2, tailored for the Indian population, significantly reduces estimation errors by almost three times. Published in the Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia on February 13, 2024, the Garbhini-GA2 model, based on genetic algorithm methods, outperforms existing models when applied in the later stages of pregnancy.
In India, where a substantial number of women have their first ultrasound in the second and third trimesters, the application of the Garbhini-GA2 model promises improved pregnancy care, ensuring accurate gestational age determination for appropriate medical attention and precise delivery date predictions. The model’s potential to enhance epidemiological estimates for pregnancy outcomes in the country signifies a positive step towards improving maternal and infant health, contributing to the reduction of mortality rates through more effective obstetric and neonatal care.
