Integrating Neuromonitoring in Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Exploring Two Options for Point-of-Care...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Central nervous system (CNS) disorders are common in critically ill children, with status epilepticus (SE) frequently occurring in emergency settings.
• Non-convulsive SE (NCSE) is often underdiagnosed in patients with altered mental status, negatively impacting neurological outcomes and hospital stays.
• Standard electroencephalogram (EEG) for NCSE diagnosis is time-consuming, staff-intensive, and often unavailable, particularly during off-hours.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a simplified, cost-effective point-of-care EEG (pocEEG) method using a reduced lead montage.
• To assess the suitability of pocEEG for use in pediatric emergency departments to improve patient care.
• To enable timely diagnosis and treatment initiation for CNS disorders when standard EEG is not readily accessible.

Main Methods:

• Development of a simplified EEG recording method (pocEEG) with a reduced lead montage.
• Integration of pocEEG with existing patient monitors (GE Carescape, Philips IntelliVue) for clinical acquisition.
• Focus on creating a cost-effective unit with minimal space requirements compatible with current infrastructure.

Main Results:

• Two technical options for clinical pocEEG acquisition using standard patient monitors were successfully presented.
• The pocEEG method facilitates data collection for educational and research purposes.
• This simplified EEG approach enables neuromonitoring in pediatric emergency settings.

Conclusions:

• A simplified, rapid-response EEG (pocEEG) can enhance neuromonitoring for pediatric CNS disorders in emergency departments.
• pocEEG facilitates timely diagnosis and treatment initiation, especially when standard EEG availability is limited.
• This approach addresses the need for accessible diagnostic tools in critical pediatric care settings.