ABSTRACT 8

Abstract

Background and aims: There is no data available about various aEEG patterns, their usefulness in predicting raised ICP and final outcome in children with CNS infections, hence the purpose of this study. Aims: Study the correlation between aEEG patterns and final outcome i.e. death/survival and neurological status at 6 months of follow up. Methods: In a prospective descriptive study, consecutive children, 3 months to 12 years, admitted to PICU of a teaching hospital with acute CNS infections and GCS ≤ 11 were included after written parental consent. Children with previously known CNS disease, on long term antiepileptics, presence of shock and hypoxia after stabilisation were excluded. Interhemispheric cerebral activity was monitored using the CFM(Ceegraph Vision(R)) with recording pairs of electrodes placed in F3/P3 and F4/P4 positions. The aEEG patterns were assessed for amplitude, presence of seizure and any evidence of asymmetry. Results: Forty two eligible patients were enrolled in this study. Seventeen (40.5%) patients died. All patients who had pattern 4 and 5 died (p<0.001). 91.9% patients who had pattern 1 survived followed by pattern 2(88.3%) and pattern 3 (14.9%). 90.9% patients who had normal voltage background pattern i.e. pattern 1 and 2 survived (p<0.001). Presence of seizures, status epilepticus or asymmetry was not associated with poor outcome. aEEG patterns and ICP(.820) and CPP(-.863) were significantly correlated. Patients with pattern 1 had better PCPC and POPC score (p<0.001). Conclusions: aEEG background pattern are useful to predict neurological outcome in comatose children with acute CNS infections. aEEG patterns correlates well with ICP and CPP.