Wearable Devices Enhance Detection of Post-Surgical Complications in Children

Wearable technology such as Fitbits has demonstrated potential in detecting postoperative complications among pediatric patients, according to a recent study published in Science Advances. Researchers analyzed biometric data to identify daily circadian patterns in children's recovery following surgery. Out of 94 children with usable data, 58 experienced typical recoveries, 23 exhibited abnormal symptoms like diarrhea without further complications, and 13 encountered postoperative issues. Using machine learning algorithms, the team predicted complications based on biometric inputs, with activity levels—particularly step counts—serving as the most significant indicators, followed by heart rhythm patterns. Remarkably, even tracking biorhythms for just 120 minutes yielded sufficient data for accurate analysis. The predictive model achieved a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 74% in identifying postoperative complications. Notably, 89% of children who experienced issues after discharge were readmitted, and all these cases were correctly flagged by the biorhythm analysis. While some studies suggest biorhythm tracking may be less effective in adults, the structured routines of ch...