Contactless Vital Sign Monitoring and Wearable Devices in Detection and Management of Allergic Diseases

Md Shahnoor Amin, Internal Medicine, Packard Health, Ann Arbor, USA (shahnoor_amin@packardhealth.org)
Olivia Coiado, Bioengineering, University Of Illinois, Urbana-champaign, Urbana, United States
Mohammad Islam, Electrical Engineering, University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States

Developments of sensors in wearable devices (e.g. Apple Watch, Fitbit, etc.) are enabling continual measurements of vital signs for patients. By incorporating SpO2, heart rate/rhythm (using EKG and optical sensors), blood pressure, and wrist temperature, such devices can incorporate algorithms to detect anaphylaxis and other allergic conditions. In parallel, technical progress in contactless vital sign monitoring (CVSM) systems are allowing for rapid, camera-based detection of patient vitals using infrared technology within the clinic. Combination of these systems can allow both patients and physicians to monitor acute changes to chronic allergic conditions in both home and ambulatory settings.

Comprehensive literature review was conducted comparing the sensor capabilities of various devices and CVSM technologies. Application to allergic conditions was conducted to determine whether such devices could accurately detect both life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis, and also monitor vital signs for chronic conditions such as asthma.

Of the 29 participants in one study, CVSM could detect heart rate and respiratory rate at a distance of 60 cm within 1 minute, using vertical cameras and  vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser.  This makes it a promising technology for detection of allergic conditions within the clinic setting. Literature review of wearable devices also demonstrated promise in detecting of anaphylaxis using a combination of sensors and vital signs.

Reduced cost of biomedical microsensors has led to widespread adoption of wearable devices, along with CVSM systems. These technologies hold promise to detect and manage acute and chronic allergic conditions, with 24-hour monitoring.

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Short Biography of Presenting Author

Dr. Md Shahnoor Amin is an internal medicine physican at Packard Health in Michigan, USA. He completed his internal medicine residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, USA, with research honors. He previously presented in Isranalytica and has extensive experience in combining patient care, innovation, and analytical technologies. He holds 11+ patents in engineering and safety technologies. He received his M.D. from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with full tuition scholarship, and his PhD from the George Washington University.