Survey of Pediatric ICU EEG Monitoring-Reassessment After a Decade.

Abstract

Purpose: In 2011, the authors conducted a survey regarding continuous EEG (CEEG) utilization in critically ill children. In the interim decade, the literature has expanded, and guidelines and consensus statements have addressed CEEG utilization. Thus, the authors aimed to characterize current practice related to CEEG utilization in critically ill children.

Methods: The authors conducted an online survey of pediatric neurologists from 50 US and 12 Canadian institutions in 2022.

Results: The authors assessed responses from 48 of 62 (77%) surveyed institutions. Reported CEEG indications were consistent with consensus statement recommendations and included altered mental status after a seizure or status epilepticus, altered mental status of unknown etiology, or altered mental status with an acute primary neurological condition. Since the prior survey, there was a 3- to 4-fold increase in the number of patients undergoing CEEG per month and greater use of written pathways for ICU CEEG. However, variability in resources and workflow persisted, particularly regarding technologist availability, frequency of CEEG screening, communication approaches, and electrographic seizure management approaches.

Conclusions: Among the surveyed institutions, which included primarily large academic centers, CEEG use in pediatric intensive care units has increased with some practice standardization, but variability in resources and workflow were persistent.