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Updated: Nov 29, 2025
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor Cerebral Function Monitor to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
aEEG as a useful tool for neuromonitoring in critically ill children - Current evidence and knowledge gaps
Nora Bruns1, Ursula Felderhoff-Müser1, Christian Dohna-Schwake1
1Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Insights
Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is valuable for detecting seizures in children. Further research is needed to establish normal values and its predictive potential in pediatric critical care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Neurophysiology
Background:
- Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is utilized in pediatric patients beyond the neonatal period.
- Systematic investigations into its use in older children are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review aEEG studies in children aged one month to 18 years.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of aEEG in this age group.
- To identify knowledge gaps and limitations of aEEG use.
Main Methods:
- A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted.
- Articles published in English up to September 2020 were included.
- 23 relevant studies were identified and reviewed.
Main Results:
- aEEG is frequently used to detect seizures, compensating for limited full-channel EEG.
- Interpretation of background patterns relies on neonatal classifications due to a lack of pediatric reference values.
- Potential exists for aEEG to predict outcomes in conditions like pediatric cardiac arrest.
Conclusions:
- The primary application of aEEG in children is seizure detection and management.
- Further research is required to establish normal pediatric aEEG values and its prognostic capabilities.
- aEEG is expected to become increasingly important in pediatric critical care.
Aim:
Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is used in children beyond neonatal age, but systematic investigations have been lacking. This mini-review summarised aEEG studies on children aged one month to 18 years, evaluated the usefulness of aEEG and identified knowledge gaps or limitations.
Methods:
We searched the PubMed database for articles published in English up to September 2020, and 23 papers were identified.
Results:
aEEG was frequently used to compensate for the absence of continuous full-channel EEG monitoring, particularly for detecting seizures. Interpreting background patterns was based on neonatal classifications, as reference values for older infants and children are lacking. It is possible that aEEG could predict outcomes after paediatric cardiac arrests and other conditions. Gaps in our knowledge exist with regard to normal values in healthy children and the effects of sedation on aEEG background patterns in children.
Conclusion:
The main application of aEEG was detecting and treating paediatric seizures. Further research should determine reference values and investigate the potential to predict outcome after critical events or in acute neurological disease. It is likely that aEEG will play a role in paediatric critical care in the future.
