Early Standard Electroencephalogram Abnormalities Predict Mortality in Septic Intensive Care Unit Patients

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Critical Care Medicine
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Management

Background:

• Sepsis significantly increases mortality, delirium, and long-term cognitive impairment in ICU patients.
• Early electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities in sepsis may correlate with the severity of brain dysfunction.
• The predictive value of early standard EEG for mortality in septic ICU patients requires further assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive value of early standard EEG abnormalities for mortality in ICU septic patients.
• To assess the correlation between EEG findings and the occurrence of delirium in septic ICU patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center, observational study involving 110 consecutive ICU patients admitted for sepsis.
• Standard EEG was performed and classified using Synek and Young EEG scales.
• Data on delirium, sedation, coma, and mortality were collected and analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 49% of patients developed delirium, and 21% died in the ICU.
• Absence of EEG reactivity, delta-predominant background, periodic discharges (PDs), Synek grade ≥ 3, and Young grade > 1 were independent predictors of ICU mortality.
• Specific EEG abnormalities were significantly associated with the occurrence and timing of delirium.

Conclusions:

• Early standard EEG in septic ICU patients is frequently disturbed and provides significant predictive value for mortality.
• EEG findings such as absent reactivity, delta-predominant background, PDs, and high Synek/Young grades are associated with increased mortality and delirium.
• Continuous EEG monitoring might enhance the diagnostic and predictive capabilities for these critical conditions in sepsis.