Amplitude-Integrated EEG in Infants at Risk of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Feasibility Study in Road and Air Transport in Western Australia

Summary

Here, we present a feasibility study to assess a portable amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) recording system during the transport of infants with suspected hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Abstract

Infants at risk of HIE require early identification and initiation of therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Earlier treatment with TH is associated with better outcomes. aEEG is frequently used when making the decision whether to commence TH. As this is often limited to tertiary centers, TH may be delayed if the infant requires transport to a center that provides it. We aimed to provide a method for the application of amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) and to determine the feasibility of acquiring clinically meaningful information during transport. All infants ≥35 weeks, at risk of HIE at referral, were eligible for inclusion. Scalp electrodes were placed in the C3-C4; P3-P4 position on the infant's scalp and connected to the aEEG amplifier. The aEEG amplifier was, in turn, connected to a clinical tablet computer with EEG software to collect and analyze aEEG information. Recordings were reviewed by the chief principal investigator and two independent reviewers (blinded) for background trace and artifact. Predefined criteria for data quality were set to movement artifacts and software impedance notifications. Surveys were completed by healthcare staff and parents for acceptability and ease of use.

Introduction

Impaired oxygen delivery or blood flow to the brain around the time of birth can cause brain injury (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; HIE). This is a leading cause of death and disability in full-term babies¹. HIE is reported to have a worldwide incidence of 2 per 1000 deliveries, which is likely to be higher in low to middle-income countries. In Western Australia, approximately 50 babies are born each year who have a clinical diagnosis of HIE (32308 live births in 2022, an incidence of approximately 1.5 per 1000²).

HIE is diagnosed with criteria based on the circumstances of birth, changes in....

Protocol

The study was approved by the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC, Approval Number RGS0000004988) and adhered to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.

1. Identification of patients for inclusion in the study

1. At the time of referral determine the infant's eligibility to be enrolled in the study. Any infant with suspected HIE requiring transport is eligible for the study.
2. Use the standardized diagnostic .......

Discussion

This novel study describes the application and early data acquisition of aEEG in infants with suspected HIE who require transport soon after birth. aEEG application during neonatal transport has not been reported previously. aEEG has been used under novel circumstances, such as remote monitoring under telehealth neurocritical care consultation in Brazil and the Paediatric ED^15,16.

The aEEG needle application is similar to that used .......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Stratus EEG Centrum, Acquire Pro Software for Microsoft Windows	Stratus Software Solutions LLC Kvikna Medical Lyngháls 9 110 Reykjavik Iceland	Version 4.2
Trackit T4PCU24+8	Lifelines Neuro 7 Clarendon Court Over Wallop StockBridge Hants, UK	SN: T4-170046 Issue: 4 C169
Ultra Subdermal Needle Electrode	Natus 3150 Pleasant View Road Middleton WI 53562 USA	019-476600	14 mm x 0.38 mm SST Needle DIN 42802 connector