NJN: A Dataset for the Normal and Jaundiced Newborns

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is a prevalent condition among newborns, with potentially severe complications that can result in permanent brain damage if left untreated during its early stages. The existing approaches for jaundice detection involve invasive procedures such as blood sample collection, which can inflict pain and distress on the patient, and may give rise to additional complications. Alternatively, a non-invasive method using image-processing techniques and implementing kNN, Random Forest, and XGBoost machine learning algorithms as a classifier can be employed to diagnose jaundice, necessitating a comprehensive database of infant images to achieve a diagnosis with high accuracy. This data article presents the NJN collection, a repository of newborn images encompassing diverse birthweights and skin tones, spanning an age range of 2 to 8 days. The dataset is accompanied by an Excel sheet file in CSV format containing the RGB and YCrCb channel values, as well as the status of each sample. The dataset and associated resources are openly accessible at Zenodo website. Moreover, the Python code for data testing utilizing various AI techniques is provided. Consequently, this article offers an unparalleled resource for AI researchers, enabling them to train their AI systems and develop algorithms that can assist neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) healthcare specialists in monitoring neonates while facilitating the fast, real-time, non-invasive, and accurate diagnosis of jaundice.