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Objectives: The important role of the EEG in preterm and term babies in investigating brain function and seizures, predicting outcomes, evaluating therapeutic interventions and decision-making is being increasingly acknowledged. Development of the brain in the last trimester of pregnancy results in rapid changes in the EEG patterns in this period. Acquiring and interpreting the EEG of a preterm baby can be challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a proforma titled CARFS 7 (Continuity, Amplitude, Reactivity, Frequency, Synchrony, Symmetry, Sleep, Sharps, Shapes, Size and Seizures) to enable neurologists to read EEGs of premature babies with greater confidence, ease and accuracy and produce a report more easily repeatable and homogenous among operators., Methods: The CARFS 7 proforma was developed based on a literature review and the personal experience of the authors. The parameters of the EEG evaluated and scored in the proforma are Continuity, Amplitude, Reactivity/Variability, Frequency, Synchrony, Symmetry, Sleep, Sharps, Shapes/Patterns, Size and Seizures. We also assessed the interrater reliability of the proposed scoring system incorporated in the proforma., Results: CARFS 7 proforma incorporates a number of parameters that help evaluate the preterm EEG. The interrater reliability of the proposed scoring system in the CARFS 7 proforma was high., Conclusions: CARFS 7 is a user friendly proforma for reading EEGs in the preterm infant. Interrater reliability using Cohen's k shows high agreement between two child neurologists who independently rated the EEGs of 25 premature babies using this proforma. CARFS 7 has the potential to provide, accurate, reproducible and valuable information on brain function in the preterm infant in clinical practice., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) is being used increasingly for seizure detection in neonates. However, data regarding inter-rater reliability among neonatologists for the use of aEEG for the detection of neonatal seizures is lacking., Methods: Term and late-preterm infants at risk of seizures were monitored simultaneously with 24-h video-electroencephalography (vEEG) and aEEG. vEEG was interpreted by an experienced neurologist. Five neonatologists with experience in aEEG interpretation from four different neonatal units interpreted aEEG recordings independently. The Brennan and Prediger kappa coefficient and Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were used to assess inter-rater reliability between the neonatologists., Results: Thirty-five infants at risk of seizure with gestational age at birth 35-42 weeks were recruited for the study after informed parental consent. vEEG detected seizures in seven infants with a total of 169 individual seizure episodes. Neonatologists detected seizures in 10 to 15 infants on aEEG. The sensitivities for the detection of individual seizures by neonatologists ranged from 18% to 38%. The inter-rater reliability for detection of: individual seizure was "fair" (kappa = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.32-0.42), infant with seizure was "moderate" (kappa = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.44-0.75), duration of individual seizure (ICC: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.18-0.28) and total duration of seizures in an infant (ICC: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.30-0.63) was "poor". The neonatologists missed 77-90% of the duration of seizures., Conclusion: The inter-rater reliability of aEEG for the detection of neonatal seizures was suboptimal. Even when interpreted by experienced and trained clinicians, seizure detection with aEEG has limitations and can miss large number and duration of seizures., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Authors do not have any potential, perceived, or real conflict of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: A new-onset seizure clinic (NOSC) was established at our hospital in 2011, with the aim to provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate management to children with new-onset seizures or seizure mimics., Methods: We report on the data analysis of the first 200 children seen in NOSC. A paediatric neurologist or paediatric/neurology trainee under supervision of a neurologist reviewed all the children. A detailed history and clinical examination were undertaken. Electroencephalogram (EEGs) were undertaken prior to clinic review in most emergency departments. Children were classified as 'epilepsy positive' (EP+) or 'epilepsy negative' (EP-) after the first consultation., Results: Of 200 patients, 109 were classified as EP+: generalised epilepsy in 57 of 109, focal in 36, childhood seizure susceptibility syndrome in 26 and epileptic encephalopathy in 5. EEG was available in 192: in 117, it was abnormal - 23 with background abnormalities and 109 with epileptiform activity. Of the 109 patients, 80 were commenced on anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs): 12 were able to come off medication after seizure-free period, 61 were controlled on AEDs and 7 were refractory. Children were followed up for 12-48 months. None of the children had diagnosis revised on follow-up., Conclusions: This is the first Australian study to report on a large cohort of children from a NOSC. An EEG and a paediatric neurologist assessment is a good combination to enable diagnostic accuracy: In the first 200 patients seen, there were no revisions of the initial diagnosis on follow-up., (© 2018 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).)

This diagnostic accuracy study compared the accuracy of seizure detection by amplitude-integrated electroencephalography with the criterion standard conventional video EEG in term and near-term infants at risk of seizures. Simultaneous recording of amplitude-integrated EEG (2-channel amplitude-integrated EEG with raw trace) and video EEG was done for 24 hours for each infant. Amplitude-integrated EEG was interpreted by a neonatologist; video EEG was interpreted by a neurologist independently. Thirty-five infants were included in the analysis. In the 7 infants with seizures on video EEG, there were 169 seizure episodes on video EEG, of which only 57 were identified by amplitude-integrated EEG. Amplitude-integrated EEG had a sensitivity of 33.7% for individual seizure detection. Amplitude-integrated EEG had an 86% sensitivity for detection of babies with seizures; however, it was nonspecific, in that 50% of infants with seizures detected by amplitude-integrated EEG did not have true seizures by video EEG. In conclusion, our study suggests that amplitude-integrated EEG is a poor screening tool for neonatal seizures.

Purpose: Amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) is being used increasingly for monitoring seizures in neonatal units. Its accuracy, compared with "the gold-standard" conventional elecroencephalogram (cEEG) is still not well established. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of aEEG when compared with cEEG, for detection of neonatal seizures., Method: A systematic review was conducted using the Cochrane methodology. EMBASE, CINAHL and PubMed databases were searched in September 2014. Studies comparing simultaneous recordings of cEEG and aEEG for detection of seizures in neonatal population were included. QUADAS 2 tool was used to examine "risk of bias" and "applicability"., Results: Ten studies (patient sample 433) were included. Risk of bias was high in five studies, unclear in one and low in four. For the detection of individual seizures, when "aEEG with raw trace" was used, median sensitivity was 76% (range: 71-85), and specificity 85% (range: 39-96). When "aEEG without raw trace" was used, median sensitivity was 39% (range: 25-80) and specificity 95% (range: 50-100). Detailed meta-analysis could not be done because of significant clinical/methodological heterogeneity. Seizure detection was better when interpreted by experienced clinicians. Seizures with low amplitude/brief duration and those occurring away from aEEG leads were less likely to be detected., Conclusion: Studies included in the systematic review showed aEEG to have relatively low and variable sensitivity and specificity. Based on the available evidence, aEEG cannot be recommended as the mainstay for diagnosis and management of neonatal seizures. There is an urgent need of well-designed studies to address this issue definitively., (Copyright © 2015 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the role of resective brain surgery in childhood epilepsy., Methodology: We retrospectively analysed the seizure outcomes in 55 children with epilepsy who had resective brain surgery between 1997 and 2012, at our centre. The children were 1.5-18 years at the time of surgery; their seizure onset was between 0.2 andto 15 years of age. 48 had refractory epilepsy. One child died of tumour progression. Follow-up duration in the survivors ranged from 2 to -16 years (mean: 9).Presurgical evaluation included clinical profiles, non-invasive V-EEG monitoring, neuroimaging with MRIs in all; SPECT and PET in selected patients. 54 had intraoperative ECoG., Results: An Engel Class 1 outcome was seen in 78% of the cohort, with 67% being off all AEDs at the most recent follow-up. Children with tumours constituted the majority (56%), with 87% of this group showing a Class 1 outcome and 84% being off AEDs. Children with cortical dysplasia had a Class 1 outcome in 56%., Conclusion: Resective brain surgery is an efficacious option in some children with epilepsy. We found ECoG useful to tailor the cortical resection and in our opinion ECoG contributed to the good seizure outcomes., (Copyright © 2015 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We aimed to explore the significance and prognostic implications of paroxysmal brief electroencephalography (EEG) rhythmic discharges (BERDs) in neonatal seizures. The 52 neonates in this study were divided into 3 groups: (1) BERDs only: 9 neonates, (2) BERDs + conventional EEG seizures: 11 babies, (3) Conventional EEG seizures only: 32 babies. We analyzed the BERDs and compared outcomes in the 3 groups: there was no significant difference in mortality and neurodevelopmental or background EEG impairment. Similar to conventional EEG seizures, BERDs are also associated with an increased mortality, morbidity, and EEG background abnormalities. Fewer babies with BERDS appear to develop postneonatal seizures suggesting their epileptogenic potential is less. In the appropriate clinical context, BERDs should be considered as miniseizures.

Introduction: Paroxysmal fast activity (FA) has been proposed as a marker for epileptic networks. We explore the presence and significance of ictal FA on scalp video EEG seizures (EEG Sz) recorded in neonates., Methodology: Forty two babies had 159 EEG Szs. The seizures were analysed for ictal FA, using a low frequency filter of 30 Hz. We explored the relationship of ictal FA to the occurrence of electroclinical and electrographic seizures, the use of phenobarbitone and to neurodevelopmental outcomes., Results: Ictal FA occurred in 62 (39%) of the 159 EEG Szs. In the 62 seizures with ictal FA, 34 (55%) were electroclinical seizures (ECSz) and 28 (45%) were electrographic (ESz). In the remaining 97 seizures without ictal FA, 27 (28%) were ECSz and 70 (72%) ESz. There was a significant correlation (p=0.0006) between ictal FA and electroclinical seizures. There was no relationship between phenobarbitone and presence of ictal FA. There was no significant difference in the background EEG, neuroimaging abnormalities, neurodevelopmental impairment or post neonatal seizures between those with and without ictal FA., Conclusions: Ictal FA is highly correlated to the occurrence of clinical features during an EEG seizure. The presence of ictal FA does not appear to influence neurodevelopmental outcomes., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The characteristics of ictal electroencephalograms in 160 neonatal seizures of 43 babies were correlated with mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Neonatal seizures are focal at onset, most frequently temporal, and often occur during sleep. Twenty-one percent of babies with seizures died, and 76% of survivors manifested neurodevelopmental impairment during 2-6-year follow-up. A low-amplitude ictal electroencephalogram discharge was associated with increased mortality, and a frequency of <2 Hz with increased morbidity. Status epilepticus, ictal fractions, multiple foci, and bihemispheric involvement did not influence outcomes. Of 160 seizures, 99 exhibited no associated clinical features (electrographic seizures). Neonatal seizures with clinical correlates (electroclinical seizures) exhibited a higher amplitude and frequency of ictal electroencephalogram discharge than electrographic seizures. During electroclinical seizures, the ictal electroencephalogram was more likely to involve larger areas of the brain and to cross the midline. Mortality and morbidity were similar in babies with electroclinical and electrographic seizures, emphasizing the need to diagnose and treat both types. Ictal electroencephalogram topography has implications for electrode application during limited-channel, amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms. We recommend temporal and paracentral electrodes. Video electroencephalograms are important in diagnosing neonatal seizures and providing useful information regarding ictal electroencephalogram characteristics., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

There is a high incidence of mortality and neurodevelopmental sequelae in babies with neonatal seizures. The electroencephalography (EEG) background has been shown to be an excellent predictor of outcome by most studies, with a few suggesting limited value in prognostication. Previous studies suggest poor prognosis with severely abnormal backgrounds, but prediction was difficult with moderate abnormalities. The proposed numerical scoring system for the EEG background provides an objective method of evaluation with improved reproducibility, categorization, and prognostication. Our study showed that the numerical score of EEG background was a good predictor of outcome. Higher numerical scores reflecting greater abnormality of background EEG were associated with increasing incidence of mortality, neurodevelopmental impairment, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing impairment, and epilepsy. The numerical score also correlated with neuroimaging abnormalities. A numerical EEG score can help target interventional strategies for neonatal seizures.

This study evaluates the characteristics of photoparoxysmal responses elicited with intermittent photic stimulation during a routine electroencephalogram in childhood and correlated this with the clinical profile of the child. Photoparoxysmal responses occurred in 8% (21/263) of children where activation was undertaken. Photoparoxysmal responses were often brief and had a variable onset latency. This study suggests increasing the duration of the stimulus train to 10 seconds or more will increase the diagnostic yield. Photoparoxysmal responses very rarely outlasted the stimulus, and self-limited photoparoxysmal responses probably have greater significance than previously attributed to them. They are highly correlated with epilepsy.

Subclinical rhythmic electroencephalogram (EEG) discharge is an uncommon rhythmic EEG pattern that has been reported to occur in adults. It is thought to be a nonspecific finding with little clinical significance. This article reports this EEG pattern in two children and suggests it be called subclinical rhythmic EEG discharge of adults and children.

Interictal spikes on intraoperative electrocorticography during epilepsy are used to tailor resections. There have been a few systematic quantitative studies of anesthetic effects on these interictal discharges, and none on the effects of nitrous oxide (N2O). We calculated spike rates on ECoG on and off N2O in 18 epilepsy surgery patients with subdural strips and grids, analyzing the most active recording contract. In a blinded analyses ten patients had fewer spikes on N2O, while eight patients had more spikes on N2O. The mean spike rates did not differ (41/min on N2O and 40/min off N2O). Spike rate on and off N2O were compared using the non-parametric Wilcoxon matched pairs test. These rates were not significantly different. Our study indicates that N2O in doses employed dose not effect interictal spikes and this agent may be used during epilepsy surgery without concerns about suppression of epileptiform activity.

Staring episodes in children may be ictal or nonictal, and telemetry helps make this distinction. Twenty-seven children referred to our service for elucidating the nature of their staring spells were studied by telemetry. No staring events were recorded in four children. The staring events were not associated with electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in 12 children. In 11 children, the staring events had EEG accompaniments: four had generalized spike-and-wave changes; three had focal or asymmetrical changes; and four had generalized decrement (desynchronization), which has not been described before as an electrical correlate of staring. EEG video telemetry in this group of patients led to accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical, surgical or behavioral management.