EEG recording latency in critically ill patients: Impact on outcome. An analysis of a randomized controlled trial (CERTA)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess, in adults with acute consciousness impairment, the impact of latency between hospital admission and EEG recording start, and their outcome. MethodsWe reviewed data of the CERTA trial (NCT03129438) and explored correlations between EEG recording latency and mortality, Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months, considering other variables, using uni- and multivariable analyses. ResultsIn univariable analysis of 364 adults, median latency between admission and EEG recordings was comparable between surviving (61.1 h; IQR: 24.3–137.7) and deceased patients (57.5 h; IQR: 22.3–141.1); p = 0.727. This did not change after adjusting for potential confounders, such as lower Glasgow Coma Score on enrolment (p < 0.001) and seizure or status epilepticus detection (p < 0.001). There was neither any correlation between EEG latency and mRS (rho 0.087, p 0.236), nor with CPC (rho = 0.027, p = 0.603). ConclusionThis analysis shows no correlation between delays of EEG recordings and mortality or functional outcomes at 6 months in critically ill adults. SignificanceThese findings might suggest that in critically ill adults mortality correlates with underlying brain injury rather than EEG delay.