[Continuous two channel electroencephalography: description, applications, benefits and pitfalls]

Arch Pediatr. 2008 Aug;15(8):1326-31. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2008.04.033. Epub 2008 Jun 26.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Children, term and preterm newborn care require electrophysiologic investigations for seizure detection and therapeutic management or prognosis purposes. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) offers an accessible by non expert, bedside continuous cerebral monitoring. A 2 year utilization of aEEG in a neonatal and paediatric intensive care unit is described as advantages and as pitfalls. Technical description and aEEG classifications for interpretation only available for term newborn are described. To obtain a performing utilization (technical and interpretation) it was necessary to have about 1 year of training including medical and paramedical formations. Our experience shows that this easy-to-use technique requires a careful management, a trained and vigilant staff notably electrophysiologist to avoid inappropriate conclusions. Finally, aEEG is very efficient but in complement of standard EEG.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Electroencephalography / methods*
  • France
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal*
  • Intensive Care Units, Pediatric*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Prognosis
  • Seizures / diagnosis*