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Mathematical models for digital babies

Researchers from EMCL (Elaine Zaunseder, Prof. Dr. Vincent Heuveline) have developed mathematical model of infant metabolism to support newborn screening for inherited metabolic diseases. This research was conducted in collaboration with researcher from the University of Galway, Ireland, and the University Hospital Heidelberg.

The models present the first metabolic whole-body models of infant metabolism. They are organ-resolved, sex-specific, and span the first 180 days of life. Using mathematical modeling the infant-specific parameters and distinct energy demands can be translated into mathematical constraints. These are then used to constrain an optimization problem that optimized body growth under the given constraints. The models showed their ability to predict infant growth consistently with reference values from the World Health Organization. 


Moreover, the models showed their capabilities to predict known biomarkers over time and metabolic responses to treatment strategies for inherited metabolic diseases. By this, the digital babies hold promise for future applications in personalized medicine and could be a first step to digital metabolic twins for babies.

Elaine Zaunseder presented the research project at the recent Recon4IMD consortium meeting in Galway (10 - 14.06.2024). 

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Author: Elaine Zaunseder

Submission Date: 18.06.2024