A methodology which accounts for uncertainty or imprecision in experimental observations and both norm and pathology definitions is developed on the basis of a distance measure between fuzzy numbers. These fuzzy numbers may represent, respectively, the measurements, norm, and pathology. The distance measure, called normalized fuzzy pathology index (NFPI), evaluates the difference of distance between observed experimental values for a given patient and norm on the one hand, and pathology on the other hand. The NFPI characterizes patient state as a continuous index; however, to conform to medical usage, categories of values are defined. Each of these categories corresponds to a linguistic variable. The case study used to illustrate the methodology is the electrodiagnosis of peripheral polyneuropathy in diabetic patients. Here, four initial linguistic categories are defined by a physician, namely: normal state, borderline state, clear-cut, and severe pathology. The NFPI is calculated in three cases that provide a sensitivity analysis on measurement fuzziness and distance function weighting. The model is calibrated using 203 cases and validated using 291 different cases. The results correspond very closely to the physician's diagnosis. The loss of information in discretizing the continuous state of patients is discussed. Transferring this fuzzy approach to other cases where the concept of distance is relevant offers no difficulty.

No abstract

No abstract

This paper deals with the following hypertension diagnoses: essential hypertension and five types of secondary hypertension: fibrodysplasic renal artery stenosis, atheromatous renal artery stenosis, Conn's syndrome, renal cystic disease, and pheochromocytoma. Only blood pressures, general information and general biochemical data are taken into account. Nineteen items were finally selected, by statistical investigation of experimental data, as being both discriminative and independent. The marginal density distributions of every item, and then joint density distribution functions were determined within six types of hypertension. The frequency of a given hypertension type within the hypertensive patients was used as prior probability of this state. The loss matrix was established by medical arguments. The expected loss corresponding to six possible decisions could thus be calculated for all cases. Both the ratio of secondary hypertensions that could be inferred from our set of data (not including the results of complementary tests) and that of correct "essential" hypertension diagnosis proved to be satisfactory.

The VTAM (V&tement de Tklk-Assistance Medicale) project began in January 2001. It aims at developping generic clothing technology which integrates biosensors and bioactuactors woven into the fabric. In a first prototype version the T-shirt incorporates four smooth dry EKG electrods, a shock/fall sensor, a breath rate sensor, two temperature sensors and a GPS receiver. A GSM/GPRS module is connected to the T-shirt and is used for data transmission and hands free communication.The VTAM challenges to reach a higher level of electronic integration in clothing than previous projects like the Lifeshirt USA or the Smart-Shirt USA. The objective is to obtain a biocloth, (or second skin), both comfortable and hygienic (washable), which incorporates connections, wires and microsensors.The leads and treatment modules are flexible and incorporated into the textile itself. The electronic 12C bus is also part of the textile. The mother board, the transmission module and power supply are kept on a belt and connected to the VTAM T-shirt through a micro connector. Data is transmitted through a GSM module to a central PC station. A medical protocol is being applied to process the biomedical data which include a EKG readings, a pneumogram, temperature, and fall detection in mobile situations.Three VTAM T-shirts have been tested on persons in a normal state of health. This project is supported by the french ministry of research.