AI Discover Baby's Death Cause

AI Helps Discover Cause of Baby’s Death.
Following What Was Described as a Perfect Pregnancy.
Here Are the Details.

Mariana Volkova, a 27-year-old mother, experienced a heartbreaking tragedy after the birth of her son, Alex, in July 2022.

Despite a pregnancy she described as «perfect,» her baby was diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) and passed away just two days after being born.

However, thanks to medical research driven by artificial intelligence, the cause of Alex’s illness was identified, potentially helping to prevent similar cases in the future.

Volkova and her husband, Alexander Volkov, were devastated by the uncertainty surrounding their son’s condition after his birth.

AI Helps Discover the Cause of Baby’s Death

Felix Richter, MD, PhD, discusses the death of a 2-day-old baby and the research conducted to help prevent future NICU deaths.

She had a ‘perfect’ pregnancy, but her son died at 2 days old. #AI doctors helped find the cause

Learn more: https://t.co/jMQmQyusvH

— Mindich CHDI (@MindichCHDI) October 3, 2024

Alex was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where the parents were informed that his condition was severe and he had little chance of survival.

Dr. Felix Richter, who treated Alex, proposed that the Volkov family participate in a research project aimed at understanding neonatal deaths.

Mariana Volkova had experienced a seemingly uncomplicated pregnancy, with prenatal check-ups indicating normal development.

However, she began experiencing intense back pain, which her doctor dismissed. At 34 weeks, she realized she was in premature labor, leading to an urgent C-section.

The Baby Had No Amniotic Fluid

After his birth, it was discovered that Alex had no amniotic fluid, a critical symptom linked to his kidney disease.

«I was shocked. No one in our family had a history of this disease,» Volkova shared.

Despite Alex’s critical condition, Mariana Volkova was determined to understand why her son had developed this rare illness.

After Alex’s death, Dr. Richter offered the couple the opportunity to participate in genetic research.

Artificial Intelligence Identifies a DNA Variant

Using artificial intelligence, the medical team identified a DNA variant in Volkova that could have triggered ARPKD.

This was a crucial discovery, as the disease is recessive and requires both parents to carry the gene for it to be passed on to their children.

With this new information, the Volkov family was able to opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos that did not carry the harmful genetic variant.

In September 2024, they welcomed their daughter, Daria, a birth that came with anxiety and fear due to their previous experience. «Every time the doctor told me everything was fine, I remembered what had happened with Alex,» Mariana Volkova admitted.

Despite their fears, Daria has brought joy to their lives, and the Volkov family is grateful that the research that stemmed from their pain may help other parents avoid similar situations.

«My son brought something into this world because we discovered something thanks to him,» Volkova concluded, finding solace in their loss and in the positive impact their story could have on others.