P478: Prediction of good and poor outcome in comatose patients after cardiac arrest: the utility of early EEG/SEP recordings during therapeutic hypothermia

Abstract

To evaluate the prognostic value of EEG and SEPs in post-anoxic comatose patients at 12 h, 24 h and 72 h from cardiac arrest (CA). Comatose patients after CA treated with TH were included. EEG and SEPs were recorded within 12 h, 24 h and 72 h after CA. EEG was classified into “non-continuous” (low voltage, isoelectric, burst-suppression) and “continuous” (other patterns except epileptiform). SEPs were dichotomized into “bilaterally absent” (BA) and “present”. Neurologic outcome was evaluated at 6 months by GOS: “awakening” (GOS 3–5) was considered good outcome. EEG and SEPs were recorded in 147 patients, 33 of whom within 12 h. “Continuous” EEG pattern at 12 h always predicted good outcome, “non-continuous” pattern at 72 h always predicted poor outcome. BA SEPs always predicted poor outcome. Early “continuous” EEG pattern was always associated with present SEPs. SEPs provide a specific and time-independent predictor of poor outcome (bilateral absence). EEG provide a specific and time-dependent predictor of good outcome (“continuous” pattern at