Implications of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography Monitoring for Effective Treatment of Chronic Ventilated Children During the Rehabilitation Period

Aim Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is a method for continuous electrographic brain function monitoring. Despite evidence of aEEG relevancy in a range of clinical settings, its use has not yet been systematically tested in patients with chronic ventilation. We assessed the role of aEEG in the management of patients in a department of pediatric respiratory rehabilitation . Method Two hundred ninety aEEG readings from 116 patients over a period of 36 months were studied. aEEGs were performed on admission for all patients; 21 patients had repeated monitoring because of suspected seizures. Results More than 92% of the patients had examinations that were feasible for interpretation. Seizures were noted in 29% of the aEEG readings at admission. A significant correlation was found between abnormal background activity and the presence of seizures. The aEEG obtained throughout hospitalization led to modification of treatment in 49% of patients including initiation of antiseizure medications in 20% of patients, avoidance of unnecessary treatment in 20% of patients, and transfer for advanced assessment in the primary hospital in 9% of patients. Conclusion The results of this study reinforce the importance of using aEEG in chronically ventilated patients throughout rehabilitation. It is an important tool for accurate treatment and planning of the personal rehabilitation program.