Speech analysis phone app could identify early signs of hepatic encephalopathy

Research from the University of Michigan suggests that one day a phone app could be able to detect the development of hepatic encephalopathy in patients just by listening to them speak.

A new idea

Hear-MHE was highly correlated with the validated tests and showed promise at predicting the time to development of overt hepatic encephalopathy.

"Are those symptoms creeping back up again? This tool could potentially perform outpatient long-term monitoring to check on progress or detect recurring symptoms."

Next steps for the researchers include testing the tool in larger, more diverse clinical settings to validate its efficacy at detecting hepatic encephalopathy.

They also hope to develop an in-home web app version of the test that could be sent to patients via text message.

"We are creating an app that patients can use easily at home," Bloom said. "We hope this app allows for earlier diagnosis of HE and improved treatment."

Source:

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan