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[Alpha coma: clinical, electroencephalographic and aetiological correlation in childhood]
A Martínez Bermejo1, V López-Martín, J Arcas
1Servicio de Neuropediatría; Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, 28046, España. med014988@saludalia.com
Revista De Neurologia
|January 11, 2002
Summary
Alpha coma, a rare EEG pattern in children, is associated with severe neurological conditions and poor outcomes, similar to adults. It likely indicates mid-brain involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neurophysiology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
Context:
- Alpha coma is an electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern characterized by alpha frequency activity (8-13Hz) in an unconscious patient.
- Its occurrence in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is infrequent.
- Understanding alpha coma is crucial for diagnosing and managing severe neurological conditions in children.
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence, causes, clinical significance, and prognosis of alpha coma in pediatric patients.
- To review existing literature on alpha coma in children.
- To determine if alpha coma in children shares similarities with adult cases.
Summary:
- A retrospective study identified two pediatric cases of alpha coma following cardio-respiratory arrest in patients with congenital heart disease.
- Both patients exhibited clinical signs of mid-brain involvement during the alpha coma EEG pattern.
- The EEG pattern was bilateral, arreactive, transient, and associated with a fatal outcome, mirroring adult presentations.
Impact:
- Alpha coma is a rare but significant EEG finding in pediatric critical care.
- The study highlights the poor prognosis associated with alpha coma in children, consistent with adult data.
- Findings suggest alpha coma may be a marker of mid-brain dysfunction in critically ill children.