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

Abstract

Objective: To assess, in adults with acute consciousness impairment, the impact of latency between hospital admission and EEG recording start, and their outcome.

Methods: We 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.

Results: In 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).

Conclusion: This analysis shows no correlation between delays of EEG recordings and mortality or functional outcomes at 6 months in critically ill adults.

Significance: These findings might suggest that in critically ill adults mortality correlates with underlying brain injury rather than EEG delay.

Keywords: Electroencephalography; Intensive care unit; Prognosis; Seizures; Status epilepticus.