ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: state-of-the-art algorithms that quantify nonlinear dynamics in physiologic waveforms are underutilized clinically due to their esoteric nature. We present a generalizable framework for classifying multiscalar waveform features, designed for patient-state tracking directly at the bedside. METHODS: an artificial neural network classifier was designed to evaluate multiscale waveform features against a fingerprint database of multifractal synthetic time series. The results are mapped into a physiologic state space for near real-time patient-state tracking. RESULTS: the framework was validated on cardiac beat-to-beat dynamics processed with the multiscale entropy algorithm, and assessed using PhysioNet databases. We then applied our algorithm to predict 28-day mortality for sepsis patients, and found it had greater prognostic accuracy than standard clinical severity scores. CONCLUSION: we developed a novel framework to classify multiscale features of beat-to-beat dynamics, and performed an initial clinical validation to demonstrate that our approach generates a robust quantification of a patient's state, compatible with real-time bedside implementations. SIGNIFICANCE: the framework generates meaningful and actionable patient-specific information, and could facilitate the dissemination of a new class of "always-on" diagnostic tools.
