Utility of 3D facial analysis as a biomarker in rare diseases exploration with hereditary angioedema.

Abstract

Background: People living with rare diseases (PLWRD) often face significant challenges in receiving timely and accurate diagnoses, leading to what is known as a diagnostic odyssey. Digital phenotyping (DP) offers a promising solution by leveraging advanced technology to capture unique digital signatures associated with various rare diseases. This innovative approach not only aids in the identification of these conditions but also facilitates the detection of digital biomarkers (DBM). By utilizing DP and DBMs, we can improve both the diagnosis and management of RDs, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for affected participants.

Objective: To identify whether DBMs can be identified by DP utilizing 3D facial imaging techniques in outpatient settings in participants with RDs.

Design setting and participants: This multicentre observational study was conducted in 3 hospitals in Singapore. The eligible participants were male and female RD participants of various age groups. The study duration was 4 years and 8 months.

Interventions: Twenty participants of Chinese genetic ancestry were photographed using a 3D camera. Additionally, two participants with hereditary angioedema (HAE) were photographed during acute stages of disease flare-ups.

Main outcomes and measures: The obtained facial scans of participants (that included participants with HAE in non-acute phase) were plotted using Artificial Intelligence-powered software - Cliniface. The growth curves and facial landmarks obtained were compared against the growth curves of normal RD-unaffected individuals of Chinese genetic ancestry. The two participants with HAE were photographed qualitatively over a longer period of time, and their scans were plotted, yielding growth curves.

Results: Distinct facial markers such as periorbital swelling were identified in two qualitatively assessed HAE participants during flare-up stages. This provides an opportunity to explore and validate whether these facial signatures in a disease condition can be assigned as DBM for HAE.

Conclusions: and relevance: This study explores the utility of 3D facial analysis as a DBM in rare diseases such as HAE. These findings offer preliminary objective evidence that supports existing subjective reports of facial features in the literature. Additionally, while DP's diagnostic capabilities may be limited, it successfully identified DBM, which could facilitate disease monitoring in conditions such as HAE.