DIGITAL TWINS FOR SICKLE CELL PATIENTS: INTEGRATING BIOINFORMATICS, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AND CLINICAL DATA

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu; Christian C. Ezeala

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v10i4.1396

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.
Christian C. Ezeala Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.

10.22270/ujpr.v10i4.1396

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, digital twins, sickle cell disease, bioinformatics, precision medicine

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a genetically inherited blood disorder characterized by considerable clinical variability and frequent complications, including vaso-occlusive crises, strokes, and organ damage. Conventional care methods frequently struggle to forecast personal disease pathways or customize timely interventions. In this scenario, digital twin technology a real-time, data-centric virtual representation of a patient presents a unique chance to revolutionize disease management by combining genomics, clinical information, and computational intelligence. This review examines the convergence of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence in creating digital twins that can accurately model SCD pathophysiology. Bioinformatics tools derive insights from multiomics data, uncovering genetic factors and molecular pathways that affect disease severity. AI and machine learning algorithms subsequently evaluate intricate clinical and biometric data, facilitating immediate risk assessment, treatment modeling, and dynamic care planning. When connected to wearable devices and electronic health records, these technologies improve the responsiveness and personalization of care delivery.