DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING GESTATIONAL AGE

Abstract

Described is a device for determining gestational age and methods for determining gestational age at birth by measuring parameters associated with photobiological properties of the skin such as reflectance or reflectivity by measuring diffused or scattered portions of the light beam incident on the skin, as well as the erythema index, along with clinical parameters of the newborn such as gender, the use of phototherapy, birth weight and time spent in incubator. The ability to obtain a realistic estimate of the age of the conceptus quickly, non-invasively and at low cost makes it possible to provide care suited to the needs of the newborn, to assess the chances of survival and to affect the short- and long-term prognosis of the newborn. The correct determination of gestational age at birth also influences clinical follow-up protocols in infancy and vital statistics.

Claims

1: A device for determining gestational age, comprising a holder enclosing at least one light emitter element; at least one sensor element capturing a considerable part of the light signal coming from at least one light emitter element, which was reflected by the skin or its components, or part of the light signal emitted by the skin components as a consequence of the interaction thereof with the light emitted by at least one light emitter element, and turns this light signal into electrical energy in order to make possible die quantification of light intensity that was reflected or scattered by the biological components of the skin and turns this light signal into electrical energy; at least one computer with an architecture allowing the provision of the input, output and conversion of analogical and digital signals and also allowing the input, the output, the display, the storage, and the processing of data, in addition to making calculations; at least a pair of signal transmission guide elements carrying the signals between at least one sensor element, and at least one computer.

2: The device, according to claim 1 wherein the light emitter element in its preferential configuration emits light at the wavelengths within the following ranges: 440-485, 625-635, 530-540 and determines the gestational age using photobiological properties of the skin.

3: The device according to claim 1 wherein the light emitter element in its preferential configuration is a light emitting diode (LED) and the sensor is preferentially a photodiode and determines the gestational age using biological and optical properties of the skin.

4: The device according to claim 1 wherein the preferential configuration provides a redundancy of the light emitter element in the same wavelength, and the redundant elements are spaced apart from the sensor element at different distances, in order to allow the cancellation of light interferences through the use of the ratio between the values of light properties, determining the gestational age using biological and optical properties of the skin.

5: The device according to claim 1, wherein signal transmission guide elements are preferentially conductor wires, transmission fibers of optical signals used independently or in combination.

6: A method for determining the gestational age comprising the use of the following predictors: the photobiological properties of the skin, preferentially the reflectance or reflectivity by measuring the diffused or scattered portions of the light beam incident on the skin and the erythema index.

7: The method according to claim 6, further comprising using as predictors the clinical parameters of the newborn, preferentially gender, the use of phototherapy, birth weight and incubator stay.

8: The method according to claim 6, wherein the predictors are used through the following steps: a) falling a light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; b) measuring the scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot, according to step a), using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source that generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; c) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 4-7 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; d) calculating the ratio (x) between the light intensity measured in step c) and the light intensity measured in step b); e) calculating the gestational age (GA), in weeks, by replacing the value of the ratio (x) obtained in step c) with the variable (x) of expression (2): GA=44.75(48.93/x).

9: The method according to claim 6, wherein the predictors are used through the following steps: a) shining a light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; b) shining a light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; c) shining a light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; d) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; e) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 4-7 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; f) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step b) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength; g) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step c) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from die source which generated the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength; h) calculating the ratio (x.sub.1) between the light intensity measured in step e) and the light intensity measured in step d); i) calculating the logarithm for the base 10 (x.sub.3) of the subtraction between the light intensity measured in step d) and the light intensity measured in step g) representing the erythema index; j) calculating the gestational age (GA), in weeks, using expression (3):
GA=1.995x.sub.1+(1.15610.sup.5)x.sub.2+9.357x.sub.331.767(3), by replacing the value of the ratio (x.sub.1) obtained in step h) with the variable (x.sub.1) of expression (3), the value of the reflectance obtained in step f) with the variable (x.sub.2) of expression (3); the value of the logarithm obtained in step i) with the variable (x.sub.3) of expression i (3).

10: The method according to claim 6, wherein the predictors are used through, the following steps: a) shining a light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; b) shining a light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; c) shining a light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; d) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; c) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 4-7 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; f) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step b) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength; g) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step c) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength; h) calculating the ratio (x.sub.1) between the light intensity measured in step e) and the light intensity measured in step d); i) calculating the logarithm for the base 10 (x.sub.3) of the subtraction between the light intensity measured in step d) and the light intensity measured in step g); j) obtaining information on the birth weight of the newborn (in grams); k) obtaining information on the gender of the newborn (male/female=1/0); l) obtaining information on whether the newborn is in the incubator at the time of measurement with the device (yes/no=1/0); m) obtaining information on whether the newborn is using phototherapy at the time of measurement with the device (yes/no=1/0); n) calculating the gestational age (GA), in weeks, using expression (4):
GA=12.14320.995x.sub.1+(3.54410.sup.6)x.sub.2+3.746x.sub.3+0.002x.sub.40.179x.sub.50.855x.sub.60.403x.sub.7(4), by replacing the value of the ratio (x.sub.1) obtained in step h) with the variable (x.sub.1) of expression (4), the value of the reflectance obtained in step f) with the variable (x.sub.2) of expression (4); the value of the logarithm obtained in step i) with the variable (x.sub.3) of expression (4); the value of the newborn weight obtained in step j) with the variable (x.sub.4) of expression (4); the value (0 or 1) of the newborn gender obtained in step k) with the variable (x.sub.5) of expression (4); the value (0 or 1) of the information on whether the newborn is in the incubator obtained in step l) with the variable (x.sub.6) of expression (4); the value (0 or 1) of the information on whether the newborn is using phototherapy obtained in step m) with the variable (x.sub.7) of expression 4.

11: The device according to claim 2 wherein the light emitter element in its preferential configuration is a light emitting diode (LED) and the sensor is preferentially a photodiode and determines the gestational age using biological and optical properties of the skin.

12: The device according to claim 2 wherein the preferential configuration provides a redundancy of the light emitter element in the same wavelength, and the redundant elements are spaced apart from the sensor element at different distances, in order to allow the cancellation of light interferences through the use of the ratio between the values of light properties, determining the gestational age using biological and optical properties of the skin.

13: The device according to claim 3 wherein the preferential configuration provides a redundancy of the light emitter element in the same wavelength, and the redundant elements are spaced apart from the sensor element at different distances, in order to allow the cancellation of light interferences through the use of the ratio between the values of light properties, determining the gestational age using biological and optical properties of the skin.

14: The method according to claim 7, wherein the predictors are used through the following steps: a) shining a light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; b) shining a light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; c) shining a light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; d) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of tire newborn foot according to step a) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; e) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 4-7 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; f) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step b) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength; g) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step c) using a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength; h) calculating the ratio (x.sub.1) between the light intensity measured in step e) and the light intensity measured in step d); i) calculating the logarithm for the base 10 (x.sub.3) of the subtraction between the light intensity measured in step d) and the light intensity measured in step g); j) obtaining information on the birth weight of the newborn (in grams); k) obtaining information on the gender of the newborn (male/female=1/0); l) obtaining information on whether the newborn is in the incubator at the time of measurement with the device (yes/no=1/0); m) obtaining information on whether the newborn is using phototherapy at the time of measurement with the device (yes/no=1/0); n) calculating the gestational age (GA), in weeks, using expression (4):
GA=12.14320.995x.sub.1+(3.54410.sup.6)x.sub.2+3.746x.sub.3+0.002x.sub.40.179x.sub.50.855x.sub.60.403x.sub.7(4), by replacing the value of the ratio (x.sub.1) obtained in step h) with the variable (x.sub.1) of expression (4), the value of the reflectance obtained in step f) with the variable (x.sub.2) of expression (4); the value of the logarithm obtained in step i) with the variable (x.sub.3) of expression j (4); the value of the newborn weight obtained in step j) with the variable (x.sub.4) of expression (4); j the value (0 or 1) of the newborn gender obtained in step k) with the variable (x.sub.5) of expression (4); the value (0 or 1) of the information on whether the newborn is in the incubator obtained in step l) with the variable (x.sub.6) of expression (4); the value (0 or 1) of the information on whether the newborn is using phototherapy obtained in step m) with the variable (x.sub.7) of expression 4.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a possible, non-limiting embodiment of the device and its constituent parts: holder (1); light emitting element (2); sensor element (3) capturing a considerable part of the light signal coming from (2) and turning it into electrical energy or a frequency signal; at least one computer with a display unit (4); signal transmission guide elements (5) carrying the signals between (2), (3), and (4).

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a graph obtained as a result of using the non-limiting configuration of the proposed device according to example 1 of this patent document. The graph represents the relative diffuse reflectivity of the skin (ordinate axis) illuminated by the LEDs at the center wavelengths of 440-465 nm, 530-540 nm, 625-635 nm (respectively, blue, green and red colors) as a function of gestational age (abscissa axis) for 115 evaluations in feet plantar skin of newborn live children. In the displayed scattering, the colors of the blue, green and red dots correspond to the reflectance values measured from the lights emitted by the blue, green and red LEDs respectively.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a graph of red light scattering (625-635 nm) across the skin as a function of gestational age obtained by means of obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. There are represented in the ordinate axis the values of gestational age in weeks and in the abscissa axis the ratio between red light scattering values (625-635 nm) measured at distances of 2-4 and 4-7 mm with respect to the sensor. The dots represent the observed values, the continuous and dashed lines respectively represent the linear and inverse regressions obtained from the observed values.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a graph representing the scattering carried out from the values of gestational age (weeks) obtained by obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy (ordinate axis) as a function of gestational age (weeks) obtained by measuring the red light scattering (625-635 nm) by the skin performed at distances of 2-4 and 4-7 mm with respect to the sensor (abscissa axis), The solid line represents the linear regression of the values of the scattering.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a graph representing the scattering carried out from the values of gestational age (reeks) obtained by means of a multivariate model using only skin photobiological properties (relative reflectivity between red LEDs and the reflectivity of the blue LIED), represented in the abscissa axis, as a function of the values of the gestational age obtained by obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy (ordinate axis). The solid line represents the linear regression of the values of the scattering.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows a graph representing the scattering carried out from the values of gestational age (weeks) obtained by means of a multivariate model using skin photobiological properties (relative reflectivity between red LEDs and the reflectivity of the blue LED and erythema index), together with clinical parameters of the newborn (gender, use of phototherapy, birth weight and incubator stay), represented in the abscissa axis, as a function of gestational age values obtained by obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy (ordinate axis). The solid line represents the linear regression of the values of the scattering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0022] The present patent application describes a device for determining gestational age and methods for determining gestational age at birth. The technology is based on parameter measurements associated with skin photobiological properties such as reflectance or reflectivity by measuring the diffused or scattered portions of the light beam incident on the skin and clinical parameters of newborns such as gender, the use of phototherapy, birth weight and incubator stay. The proposed device is capable of emitting light onto the skin at wavelengths comprised in the following ranges: 395-405, 625-635, 530-540 nm. In addition, it is capable of measuring the portion of light that has been scattered, both forwards and backwards, after the interaction with the chromophores present in the layers forming the skin.

[0023] The device comprises a holder (1) enclosing at least one light emitting element (2); at least one sensor element (3) capturing a considerable part of the light signal coming from (2), which was reflected by the skin or its components, or part of the light signal emitted by the skin components as a consequence of the interaction thereof with the light emitted by (2), and turns this light signal into electrical energy or a frequency in order to make possible the quantification of light intensity that was diffusedly reflected or scattered by the biological components of the skin and turns this light signal into electrical energy or frequency; at least one computer (4) with an architecture allowing the provision of the input, output and conversion of analogical and digital signals and also allowing the input, the output, the display, the storage, and the processing of data, in addition to making calculations; at least a pair of signal transmission guide elements (5) carrying the signals between (2), (3), and (4), wherein the device is represented in a non-limiting way in FIG. 1.

[0024] The light emitter element (2) in its preferred configuration emits light at the wavelengths comprised in the following ranges 395-405, 625-635, 530-540 nm. The range 395-405 nm corresponds to the blue color that is suitable for determining the melanin and keratin concentration, and the ranges 625-635 nm and 530-540 nm correspond to the red and green colors, respectively, which are suitable for determining the concentration of collagen and erythema index (hemoglobin concentration) among other chromophores. The determination of the erythema index is performed by means of expression (1), where R.sub.1 is the reflectance measured from the red light beam (625-635 nm), which distance between the light emitter element (2) and the sensor (3) measuring the scattered portion of this light beam is 3 mm and R.sub.2 is the reflectance measured from the green light beam (530-540 nm) whose distance between the light emitter element (2) and the sensor (3) measuring the scattered portion of this light beam is 3 mm.

Log.sub.10(R.sub.1R.sub.2)(1)

[0025] The light emitter (2), in its preferred configuration, is a light emitting diode (LED) and the sensor (3) is preferably a photodiode.

[0026] The device may preferentially be configured so that there is redundancy of the light emitter element (2) on the same wavelength and the redundant elements (2) are spaced apart from the sensor element (3) at different distances, in order to allow the cancellation of light interferences.

[0027] The signal transmission guide elements (5) preferentially are conductor wires, transmission fibers of optical signals used independently or in combination.

[0028] The proposed methods for determining gestational age at birth are based on photobiological properties of the skin such as reflectance or reflectivity by measuring the diffused or scattered portions of the light beam incident on the skin, in addition to the erythema index along with clinical parameters of the newborn such as gender, the use of phototherapy, birth weight and incubator stay.

[0029] Three methods were obtained to determine gestational age at birth; 1) a method for determining gestational age at birth from photobiological skin properties: red light scattering; 2) a method for determining gestational age at birth from photobiological skin properties: red and blue light scattering; 3) a method for determining gestational age at birth from photobiological skin properties: erythema index, red and blue color light scattering, and clinical parameters of newborns. There follow the methods:

[0030] Method 1

[0031] A method for determining gestational age at birth from skin photobiological properties: red light scattering, which comprises the following steps: [0032] a) falling a light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; [0033] b) measuring the scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot, according to step a), by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source that generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; [0034] c) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 4-7 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; [0035] d) calculating the ratio (x) between the light intensity measured in step c) and the light intensity measured, in step b) [0036] e) calculating the gestational age (GA), in weeks, by replacing the value of the ratio (x) obtained in step c) with the variable (x) of expression (2): GA=44.75(48.93/x).

[0037] Method 2

[0038] A method for determining gestational age at birth from skin photobiological properties: red and blue light scattering, which comprises the following steps: [0039] a) falling a light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; [0040] b) falling a light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; [0041] c) falling a light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; [0042] d) measuring the backscattered scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; [0043] e) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 4-7 mm from the source which generated the light beam with, 625-635 nm of wavelength; [0044] f) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity, from the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step b) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength;

[0045] g) measuring the backscattered; scattered light intensity from the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step c) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength; [0046] h) calculating the ratio (x.sub.1) between the light intensity measured in step e) and the light intensity measured in step d); [0047] i) calculating the logarithm for the base 10 (x.sub.3) of the subtraction between the light intensity measured in step d) and the light intensity measured in step g) representing the erythema index; [0048] j) calculating the gestational age (GA), in weeks, using expression (3):

GA=1.995x.sub.1+(1.15610.sup.5)x.sub.2+9.357x.sub.331.767(3), [0049] by replacing the value of the ratio (x.sub.1) obtained in step h) with the variable (x.sub.1) of expression (3), the value of the reflectance obtained in step f) with the variable (x.sub.2) of expression (3); the value of the logarithm obtained in step i) with the variable (x.sub.3) of expression (3).

[0050] Method 3

[0051] A method for determining gestational age at birth from skin photobiological properties: red and blue light scattering and clinical parameters of newborns, which comprises the following steps: [0052] a) falling a light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; [0053] b) falling a light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; [0054] c) falling a light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength on the skin of the newborn foot; [0055] d) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; [0056] e) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step a) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 4-7 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 625-635 nm of wavelength; [0057] f) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step b) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 440-485 nm of wavelength; [0058] g) measuring the backscattered/scattered light intensity from the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength applied to the skin of the newborn foot according to step c) by means of a sensor positioned at a distance of 2-4 mm from the source which generated the light beam with 530-540 nm of wavelength; [0059] h) calculating the ratio (x) between the light intensity measured in step e) and the light intensity measured in step d); [0060] i) calculating the logarithm for the base 10 (x.sub.3) of the subtraction between the light intensity measured in step d) and the light intensity measured in step g); [0061] j) obtaining information on the birth weight of the newborn (in grams); [0062] k) obtaining information on the gender of the newborn (male/female=1/0); [0063] l) obtaining information on whether the newborn is in the incubator at the time of measurement with the device (yes/no=1/0); [0064] m) obtaining information on whether the newborn is using phototherapy at the time of measurement with the device (yes/no=1/0); [0065] n) calculating the gestational age (GA), in weeks, using expression (4):

GA=12.14320.995x.sub.1+(3.54410.sup.6)x.sub.2+3.746x.sub.3+0.002x.sub.40.179x.sub.50.855x.sub.60.403x.sub.7(4),

by replacing the value of the ratio (x.sub.1) obtained in step h) with the variable (x.sub.1) of expression (4), the value of the reflectance obtained in step f) with the variable (x.sub.2) of expression (4); the value of the logarithm obtained in step i) with the variable (x) of expression (4); the value of the newborn weight obtained in step j) with the variable (x.sub.4) of expression (4); the value (0 or 1) of the newborn gender obtained in step k) with the variable (x.sub.5) of expression (4); the value (0 or 1) of the information on whether the newborn is in the incubator obtained in step l) with the variable (x.sub.6) of expression (4); the value (0 or 1) of the information on whether the newborn is using phototherapy obtained in step m) with the variable (x.sub.7) of expression (4)

[0066] The present invention can be better understood by means of non-limiting examples of the technology, as follows.

Example 1. Study of the Measurement of Skin Reflectivity at Center Wavelengths of 470, 535, 630 nm Carried Out with a Device Prototype

[0067] The correlation between light scattering and gestational age at birth of newborns was demonstrated by the inventors by means of a study that used light scattering measurements at several wavelengths of a set of 115 (n=115) newborns. These measurements were obtained at several parts of the body (foot, forearm, umbilicus and hand); the measurements were performed in two moments: in the first 24 hours of life (day 1) and 24 hours after the first evaluation (day 2). The gestational age was estimated from the obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. The analysis of correlation between light scattering and gestational age at birth with data gathered by gestational age and measurement place are presented in Table 1. Parameters r and p are the correlation coefficient and the significance level, respectively.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Values of scattering (diffuse reflectance 106) and measurement place in first and second days after birth, obtained with the prototype Measurement Forearm Average Foot sole Average Difference in characteristics: (standard deviation) (standard deviation) reflectance between Waveleagth (nm)/ Difference Difference forearm and foot sole Distance between between Days between Days Day 1 Day 2 LED and Sensor Day 1 Day 2 1 and 2 Day 1 Day 2 1 and 2 (n = 190) (n = 172) (nm) (n = 94) (n = 85) P-value* (n = 94) (n = 87) P-value* P-value* P-value* 630/3.3 0.438 (0.166) 0.443 (0.166) 0.830 0.504 (0.111) 0.499 (0.001) 0.730 0.001.sup.# 0.007.sup.# 630/6.5 0.081 (0.033) 0.077 (0.029) 0.372 0.105 (0.031) 0.090 (0.022) <0.001.sup.# <0.001.sup.# 0.001.sup.# 575/6.5 0.002 (0.008) 0.001 (0.001) 0.203 0.002 (0.005) 0.002 (0.001) 0.175 0.996 0.094 575/3.3 0.004 (0.007) 0.003 (0.001) 0.110 0.005 (0.005) 0.004 (0.002) 0.022 0.476 0.017.sup.# 470/6.5 0.029 (0.042) 0.026 (0.041) 0.669 0.028 (0.009) 0.035 (0.046) 0.156 0.733 0.208 470/3.3 0.214 (0.174) 0.186 (0.065) 0.175 0.0260 (0.089) 0.023 (0.082) 0.030.sup.# 0.024.sup.# <0.001.sup.# *P-value: Student t-Test; .sup.#correlation with statistically significant values

[0068] The results presented in Table 1 demonstrate that there is a significantly higher scattering of light for wavelengths in the red part of the spectrum (630 nm) and for smaller distances between LEDs and SENSOR (3.3 mm), it is possible to conclude that there is not a great difference of scattering in the first 48 hours of life of the newborns.

[0069] The device developed uses LEDs and photodiodes to measure the amount of reflected light (backscattering) by the biological components of the skin, specifically the direct measurement of the reflectivity of the skin. Accordingly, at least two properties are indirectly determined; the erythema index using the green (535 nm) and red (630 nm) lights and the reflectivity of the skin in red (630 nm) and blue (470 nm) lights. The following assumptions guided the construction of the device;

[0070] In the design for the construction of the device, the multilayer model of the skin was adopted, wherein these sublayers are; stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, etc. In this way, the light from the LEDs penetrates the skin being scattered (diffuse reflection) by the constituents of these layers and at the boundary between them.

[0071] There is a relation between the depth of optical penetration of light into the skin, as a function of wavelength, so that the light reaches only the upper layers of the skin, such as the stratum corneum and the epidermis, there must be used light with small wavelengths such as blue and ultraviolet (UV).

[0072] The existence of a relation, regarding the distance between the LEDs and the photodiode and the depth of light penetration into the skin, that is, the smaller the distance between LEDs and the photodiode, the more superficially the light will penetrate the skin, reaching only the upper layers, the stratum corneum and the epidermis.

[0073] Based on these assumptions, a device was constructed to measure the concentration of keratin and consequently gestational age.

[0074] The constructed device consists of six Light Emitting Diode (LED) light sources, a photodiode, a printed circuit board (PCB) and an optical barrier surrounding the photodiode. The six LEDs have 3 distinct center wavelengths, 470, 535, 630 nm, which correspond to the colors blue, green and red in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The same colored LED light sources are side by side at different distances from the photodiode, 3.3 and 6.5 mm respectively. The photodiode chosen was the TEL237LF due to its high sensitivity and to directly convert light into frequency.

[0075] The sensor module required an encapsulation to make it more robust, amenable to cleaning/disinfection and easily operable. The a special ergometry cover was designed for the sensor module, which would avoid strong operator pressure against the newborn skin, which would cause a variation in the reflectivity measurements caused by possible changes in the optical path of the light rays emitted by the LED and reflected in the layers of the skin.

[0076] The constructed device has a control system that takes into account the need for the LEDs to require a regulated source to keep the current constant in each of them; the circuit allows that, although the currents are constant, they are also different for each color. It is also possible to control the sequence in which each one will be connected. The controller circuit reads a configuration file containing the initial settings of the device, such as: the time interval between the push of the on button and the positioning of the sensor module in the newborn and a hexadecimal value that will control the current supplied to the LEDs.

[0077] The controller module has a micro USD input for an external power source and two outputs, one with a micro USE port and another for connecting the sensor module.

[0078] The fact that the power source is connected externally, rather than being attached to the control module, is a safety measure. Separating the control module from the power source (external battery) makes the device even safer for later approval at ANVISA (National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance).

[0079] The graph depicted in FIG. 2 represents the relative reflectivity between LEDs of the same color with different distances relative to the photodiode for 115 live evaluations of the skin of live newborns. LEDs of the same color were used at different distances in order to obtain the ratio between the reflectances.

[0080] A decrease in relative reflectivity for newborns is observed for the blue color, and later for full-term infants an increase thereof. There are two distinct behaviors between said preterm or premature babies and those born at term. The results obtained by the prototype enable it to be used by at least three different methods of measuring gestational age, by means of the index of erythema and the reflectivity of the skin (epidermis and dermis). With two different ways of obtaining gestational age we can develop a process implemented through a computer program to obtain gestational age with greater accuracy by using artificial intelligence techniques. If we add the photobiological properties to the clinical information as factors of the model, this will be even closer to the values of the gestational age of the gold standard that corresponds to the model based on the obstetric ultrasound had up to the 13 weeks of pregnancy, as will be presented in example 2 of this patent document.

Example 2Models for Predicting Gestational Age from Photobiological Properties of the Skin and Clinical Parameters of the Newborns

[0081] Models for predicting gestational age at birth are based on photobiological properties of the skin such as reflectance or reflectivity by measuring the diffused or scattered portions of the light beam on the skin, as well as erythema index along with clinical parameters of the newborn such as the gender, the use of phototherapy, birth weight and incubator stay.

[0082] Using data from the study presented in Example 1 of this patent document together with gestational age values obtained with obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, three models were obtained for predicting gestational age at birth; 1) Model 1: determination of gestational age at birth from photobiological skin properties: red light scattering; 2) Model 2: determination of gestational age at birth from photobiological properties of the skin: erythema index red and blue light scattering; 3) Model 3: determination of gestational age at birth from photobiological skin properties; erythema index, red and blue color light scattering and clinical parameters of newborns. Models 1, 2 and 3 will be presented in topics I, II and III, respectively.

I. Model 1: Determination of Gestational Age at Birth from Photobiological Skin Properties Red Light Scattering

[0083] This model is described in a scatter plot representing the scattering of red light (630 nm) across the skin as a function of the gestational age obtained by means of obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, according to FIG. 3. On the ordinate axis, the values of gestational age in weeks are represented and on the abscissa axis the ratio of red light scattering values (630 nm) measured at distances of 3.3 and 6.5 mm in relation to the sensor is represented. The points represent the observed values, the solid and dashed lines represent, respectively, the linear and inverse regressions obtained from the observed values, which expressions are: 1) linear regression: GA=2.40X+22.35 and 2) inverse regression: GA=44.75(48.93/X); their significance values (p) and coefficient of determination (R.sup.2) are p<0.01 and 0.51, p<0.01 and 0.56, respectively, where X is the ratio of values of red light scattering (630 nm) measured at distances of 3.3 and 6.5 mm with respect to the sensor.

[0084] Upon comparing the proposed model with the known model based on obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, a graph is achieved representing the scattering from the values of gestational age (weeks) obtained by means of the obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy (ordinate axis) according to the gestational age (weeks) obtained by measuring the red light scattering (630 nm) by the skin at distances of 3.3 and 6.5 mm with respect to the sensor (abscissa axis), as shown in FIG. 4. The solid line represents the linear regression (the values of significance (p) and correlation coefficient (R) are p<0.001 and 0.71). It is possible to perceive the good correspondence between the proposed model and the model based on obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy forming part of the state of the art.

II. Model 2: Determination of Gestational Age at Birth from Photobiological Skin Properties: Red and Blue Light Scattering and Erythema Index

[0085] This model describes the scattering of red and blue light (630 nm and 470 nm) across the skin as a function of the gestational age obtained by means of obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. The values of gestational age as a function of the ratio of red light scattering values (630 nm) measured at distances of 3.3 and 6.5 mm with respect to the sensor, scattering of the green light (535 nm) measured at the distance of 3.3 mm with respect to the sensor, blue light scattering (470 nm) measured at the distance of 3.3 mm with respect to the sensor and the erythema index according to expression (1) were adjusted according to a regression, which expression was described in the specification and is identified as expression (3); the values of significance (p) and coefficient of determination (R.sup.2) are p<0.01 and 0.686.

[0086] Upon comparing the proposed model with the known model based on obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, a graph is achieved representing the scattering from the values of gestational age (weeks) obtained by means of the obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy (ordinate axis) according to the gestational age (weeks) obtained by means of the proposed model, as shown in FIG. 5. The solid line represents the linear regression (values of significance (p) and correlation coefficient (R) are p<0.001 and 0.828). It is possible to perceive the good correspondence between the proposed model and the model based on obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy forming part of the state of the art.

III. Model 3: Determination of Gestational Age at Birth from Photobiological Skin Properties: Erythema Index, Red and Blue Color Light Scattering, and Clinical Parameters of Newborns

[0087] This model relates the erythema index, red and blue light scattering (630 nm and 470 nm) across the skin together with clinical parameters of newborns as a function of gestational age obtained by means of obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. The values of gestational age as a function of the ratio of red light scattering values (630 nm) measured at distances of 3.3 and 6.5 mm with respect to the sensor, scattering of the green light (535 nm) measured at the distance of 3.3 mm with respect to the sensor, blue light scattering (470 nm) measured at the distance of 3.3 mm with respect to the sensor and the erythema index according to expression (1) together with the clinical parameters such as the gender of the newborn (being attributed 0 or 1 if male or female, respectively), presence in the incubator at the time of measurement with the device (attributed 0 or 1 if absent or present, respectively), and use of phototherapy at the time of measurement with the device (0 or 1 if not in use or in use, respectively) and birth weight (in grams). These data were adjusted according to a regression whose expression was described in the specification and is identified as expression (4) the values of significance (p) and coefficient of determination (R.sup.2) are p<0.01 and 0.829.

[0088] In a comparison of the proposed model with the known model based on obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, a graph representing the achieved scattering from the values of gestational age (weeks) obtained by means of obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy (ordinate axis) according to the gestational age (weeks) obtained by means of the proposed model, according to FIG. 6. The solid line represents the linear regression (the values of significance (p) and correlation coefficient (R) are p<0.001 and 0.91). It is possible to perceive the good correspondence between the proposed model and the model based on obstetric ultrasound had up to 13 weeks of pregnancy forming part of the state of the art.