Bandar N. Aljafen , Ruwa A. Alneseyan , Mohamed H. Bahr , Taim A. Muayqil , Faisal Al-Otaibi
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
An increasing number of Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMU) display various practices and safety protocols. EMU settings should meet clear, standardized safety protocols to avoid seizure adverse events (SAE). We aim to provide the foundational framework facilitating the establishment of unified evidence-based safety regulations to address the practices and safety measures implemented within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, EMU directors in the GCC were contacted directly by phone to personally complete an electronic 37-item questionnaire sent via text messages and email. From January 2021–December 2021.
Results
Seventeen EMUs from six GCC countries participated in the study. All EMU directors responded to the study. Twelve (70.6%) EMUs monitored adults and children, five (29.4%) monitored adults, and none monitored children only. The number of certified epileptologists in the EMUs ranged from one to eight per unit. Fifteen (88.2%) EMUs applied a continuous observation pattern, whereas two (11.8%) performed daytime only. The precautions most commonly used in the video Electroencephalogram (EEG) were seizure pads and bedside oxygen in 15 EMUs (88.2%). For invasive EEG, seizure pads were used in 9 EMUs (52.9%), %) and IV access in 8 EMUs (47.1%). The occurrence of adverse events varied among EMUs. The most common conditions were postictal psychosis 10 (58.8%), injuries 7 (41.2%), and status epilepticus 6 (35.3%). Falls were mainly related to missed seizures or delayed recognition by video monitors in 8 EMUs (47.1%). The extended EMU stay was because of an insufficient number of recorded seizures in 16 EMUs (94.1%), poor seizure lateralization and localization in 10 (58.8%), and re-introduction of AEDs in nine (52.9%). All EMUs had written acute seizure and status epilepticus management protocols. A postictal psychosis management protocol was available for 10 (58.8%). Medications were withdrawn before admission in 6 EMUs (35.3%). The specific medication withdrawal speed protocol upon admission was available in 7 EMUs (41.2%). Pre-admission withdrawal of medication demonstrated a shorter length of stay in both video and invasive EEG, which was statistically significant (ρ (15) = −.529, p =.029; ρ (7) = −.694, p =.038; respectively).
Conclusion
The practice and safety regulations of EMUs in the GCC vary widely. Each EMU reported the occurrences of SAE and injuries. Precautions, protective measures, and management protocols must be reassessed to minimize the number of SAEs and increase the safety of the EMU.
期刊介绍:
Epilepsy Research provides for publication of high quality articles in both basic and clinical epilepsy research, with a special emphasis on translational research that ultimately relates to epilepsy as a human condition. The journal is intended to provide a forum for reporting the best and most rigorous epilepsy research from all disciplines ranging from biophysics and molecular biology to epidemiological and psychosocial research. As such the journal will publish original papers relevant to epilepsy from any scientific discipline and also studies of a multidisciplinary nature. Clinical and experimental research papers adopting fresh conceptual approaches to the study of epilepsy and its treatment are encouraged. The overriding criteria for publication are novelty, significant clinical or experimental relevance, and interest to a multidisciplinary audience in the broad arena of epilepsy. Review articles focused on any topic of epilepsy research will also be considered, but only if they present an exceptionally clear synthesis of current knowledge and future directions of a research area, based on a critical assessment of the available data or on hypotheses that are likely to stimulate more critical thinking and further advances in an area of epilepsy research.