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Artificial neural networks to predict presence of significant pathology in patients presenting to routine colorectal clinics

Monson, J. R. T.; Maslekar, S.; Gardiner, A. B.; Monson, J. R. T.; Duthie, G. S.

Authors

J. R. T. Monson

S. Maslekar

A. B. Gardiner

J. R. T. Monson

G. S. Duthie



Abstract

Aim Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are computer programs used to identify complex relations within data. Routine predictions of presence of colorectal pathology based on population statistics have little meaning for individual patient. This results in large number of unnecessary lower gastrointestinal endoscopies (LGEs - colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies). We aimed to develop a neural network algorithm that can accurately predict presence of significant pathology in patients attending routine outpatient clinics for gastrointestinal symptoms. Method Ethics approval was obtained and the study was monitored according to International Committee on Harmonisation -Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) standards. Three-hundred patients undergoing LGE prospectively completed a specifically developed questionnaire, which included 40 variables based on clinical symptoms, signs, past-and family history. Complete data sets of 100 patients were used to train the ANN; the remaining data was used for internal validation. The primary output used was positive finding on LGE, including polyps, cancer, diverticular disease or colitis. For external validation, the ANN was applied to data from 50 patients in primary care and also compared with the predictions of four clinicians. Results Clear correlation between actual data value and ANN predictions were found (r = 0.931; P = 0.0001). The predictive accuracy of ANN was 95% in training group and 90% (95% CI 84-96) in the internal validation set and this was significantly higher than the clinical accuracy (75%). ANN also showed high accuracy in the external validation group (89%). Conclusion Artificial neural networks offer the possibility of personal prediction of outcome for individual patients presenting in clinics with colorectal symptoms, making it possible to make more appropriate requests for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Citation

Maslekar, S., Gardiner, A. B., Monson, J. R. T., & Duthie, G. S. (2010). Artificial neural networks to predict presence of significant pathology in patients presenting to routine colorectal clinics. Colorectal Disease, 12(12), 1254-1259. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-1318.2009.02005.x

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 16, 2009
Online Publication Date Nov 11, 2010
Publication Date 2010-12
Deposit Date Nov 13, 2014
Journal Colorectal Disease
Print ISSN 1462-8910
Electronic ISSN 1463-1318
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Issue 12
Pages 1254-1259
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-1318.2009.02005.x
Keywords Artificial neural networks; Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy; Flexible sigmoidoscopy; Colonoscopy
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/462957