Common Data Elements for Preclinical High-Frequency Oscillations in Epilepsy

Normal brain function relies on coordinated oscillations within and across neural circuits. In epilepsy, disruption of these oscillations may reflect pathological excitability associated with seizure generation and/or the emergence of comorbidities. Among these oscillatory activities, high-frequency oscillations (HFOs, typically within 80-500 Hz) are increasingly considered promising electrophysiological biomarkers of epileptogenicity. Preclinical models provide a powerful platform for elucidating the mechanisms underlying HFO generation and for evaluating candidate therapeutic strategies. However, substantial heterogeneity persists across preclinical HFO studies in recording techniques, signal definitions, and reporting practices. This variability limits reproducibility and hampers comparisons between preclinical findings and human data, highlighting the need for greater harmonization. To that end, we propose a set of common data elements (CDEs) organized across 4 domains: (1) HFO recording, (2) HFO definition and detection, (3) HFO reporting and quantification, and (4) biological and disease context CDEs to capture subject- and model-specific parameters that may affect HFO interpretation and comparisons across studies. CDEs are classified as either core, representing the essential information recommended for all HFO studies; or optional, representing additional information recommended when relevant to the experimental design or research question. For practical implementation, CDEs are operationalized through structured case report forms that can be integrated into Research Electronic Data Capture systems for scalable implementation. By promoting harmonized practices, HFO CDEs aim to facilitate a common reporting language in preclinical and translational HFO research in epilepsy, enhance methodological rigor and transparency, and facilitate comparisons across laboratories and experimental models.