AI model predicts blood transfusion needs in ICU patients

Researchers at Emory University have developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of accurately predicting the likelihood of blood transfusion in non-traumatic intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Published in Health Data Science, the study addresses longstanding challenges in predicting transfusion needs across diverse patient groups with varying medical conditions​.

Blood transfusions are critical in managing anemia and coagulopathy in ICU settings, yet current clinical decision support systems often focus on specific patient subgroups or isolated transfusion types. This limitation hampers timely and accurate decision-making in high-pressure ICU environments. The newly developed AI model overcomes these barriers by analyzing a wide range of clinical features, including lab results and vital signs, to predict transfusion requirements within a 24-hour window​.

The research team, led by Alireza Rafiei from the Department of Computer Science and Rishikesan Kamaleswaran from the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Emory University, utilized a large dataset of over 72,000 ICU patient records spanning five years. By integrating machine learning techniques and a meta-model ensemble approach, the AI system achieved exceptional performance metrics, including an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.97, an accuracy rate of 0.93, and an F1 score of 0.89​.

Our model not only accurately predicts the need for a blood transfusion but also identifies critical biomarkers, such as hemoglobin and platelet levels, that influence transfusion decisions. This capability provides clinicians with a reliable decision-support tool, potentially improving patient outcomes and resource allocation in ICU settings"​.

Alireza Rafiei, Lead Author

The AI model was rigorously evaluated across multiple scenarios to ensure its robustness and reliability in real-world applications. Results demonstrated consistent performance across different ICU cohorts and medical conditions​.

Looking ahead, the team plans to integrate this AI model into clinical workflows for real-time decision support, further validating its effectiveness in practical ICU settings. "Our ultimate goal is to personalize and optimize transfusion strategies, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency in hospitals," said Rishikesan Kamaleswaran​.

This study represents a significant step forward in the application of AI to critical care medicine, highlighting the potential of data-driven technologies to transform healthcare delivery.