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Updated: Jul 27, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor Cerebral Function Monitor to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
aEEG Use in Pediatric Critical Care-An Online Survey
Nora Bruns1, Ursula Felderhoff-Müser1, Christian Dohna-Schwake1
1Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Insights
Amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) is widely used in pediatric intensive care units for non-neonates, despite lacking established reference values. Further evaluation is needed to validate this monitoring technique for broader pediatric use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Neurophysiology
- Medical Technology Assessment
Background:
- Continuous EEG monitoring is increasingly recognized as vital in pediatric intensive care.
- Full-channel continuous EEG is a limited resource in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
- Amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) devices are readily available and adaptable for pediatric patients beyond neonatology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the utilization of amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) in German and Swiss pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
- To understand the indications, perceived benefits, and data handling practices associated with aEEG in pediatric critical care.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to PICUs in Germany and Switzerland.
- The survey targeted PICUs identified through professional association databases.
- The questionnaire included 18 multiple-choice questions covering PICU characteristics and aEEG application.
Main Results:
- 43 PICUs (26% response rate) participated in the survey.
- Two-thirds of surveyed PICUs employ aEEG for non-neonatal patients.
- Primary indications included neurological conditions and altered mental status; seizure detection and amplitude asymmetry were key assessed features.
Conclusions:
- aEEG is extensively utilized in a significant portion of surveyed PICUs for non-neonatal applications.
- The widespread adoption of aEEG without established reference values for children necessitates further validation.
- There is a clear demand for the development of normative data for aEEG interpretation in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Background: Evidence supporting continuous EEG monitoring in pediatric intensive care is increasing, but continuous full-channel EEG is a scarce resource. Amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) monitors are broadly available in children's hospitals due to their use in neonatology and can easily be applied to older patients. Objective: The aim of this survey was to evaluate the use of amplitude-integrated EEG in German and Swiss pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Design: An online survey was sent to German and Swiss PICUs that were identified via databases provided by the German Pediatric Association (DGKJ) and the Swiss Society of Intensive Care (SGI). The questionnaire contained 18 multiple choice questions including the PICU size and specialization, indications for aEEG use, perceived benefits from aEEG, and data storage. Main results: Forty-three (26%) PICUs filled out the questionnaire. Two thirds of all interviewed PICUs use aEEG in non-neonates. Main indications were neurological complications or disease and altered mental state. Features assessed were mostly seizures and side differences, less frequently height of amplitude and background pattern. Interpretation of raw EEG also played an important role. All interviewees would appreciate the establishment of reference values for toddlers and children. Conclusions: aEEG is used in a large proportion of the interviewed PICUs. The wide-spread use without validation of data generates the need for further evaluation of this technique and the establishment of reference values for non-neonates.
