Electroencephalography (EEG) is used in various clinical applications for the diagnosis and monitoring of several types of brain diseases: both in adult patients and in neonatology. Meanwhile, in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is used increasingly such a method for continuous monitoring of brain function as amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) ^(1). First, due to its simpler and more convenient use, the possibility of continuous monitoring, and ease of interpretation. All these factors were taken into account by UTAS experts during EEG/aEEG monitoring module development for UM 300 patient monitors.

EEG channel with aEEG function in UM 300 patient monitor

In the development of the EEG module, the priorities were the high accuracy of recording neurological signs, the efficiency of pattern interpretation (special algorithm for analyzing aEEG patterns), as well as ease of use of the module by clinicians.

• Simple brain biopotentials registration.
• Effective interpretation and analysis of patterns.
• Ability to connect various types of electrodes (needle, dry, cup).
• Registration according to standard “10-20” schemes and the possibility to hold specialized EEG studies.
• Density Spectral Array with additional trends displaying.

EEG/aEEG module is in the extended set of measuring channels for UM 300. It can provide continuous EEG monitoring up to 4 channels, as well as display density spectral array (DSA) and amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG). EEG monitoring is designed for adults, children and newborns.

Amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) in UM 300 patient monitor

Method of aEEG clarifies and supplements the data obtained with routine EEG, and can be used not only for conducting continuous monitoring of neonatal brain functions, but also as an additional program to a standard EEG study. The method has a great potential for specifying diagnosis and further neonatal neurological support at intensive care units ⁽²⁾.

Advantages of aEEG:

• Simplicity and ease of use.
• Continuous monitoring (identifying changes in dynamics).
• Real-time data visualization.
• Easy to interpret with graphical display and automated pattern analysis.
• Evaluating general brain health and prognostic value.

Amplitude-integrated EEG provides simplified monitoring of cerebral function, and is rapidly gaining popularity among neonatologists, with growing use in bedside decision making and inclusion criteria for randomized clinical studies ⁽³⁾.

Learn more about other channels that we are especially proud to develop:

• 3, 5 and 12 lead ECG with intelligent analysis of arrhythmias and other disorders

• NIBP Smart: non-invasive blood pressure measuring channel with advanced functions

References

1. Hellstrom-Westas L, Rosen I, de Vries L, Greisen G. Amplitude-integrated EEG classification and interpretation in preterm and term infants. NeoReviews 2006; https://doi.org/10.1542/neo.7-2-e76

2. Koshchavtsev А.G. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography is an additional research method in newborns with seizures. Epilepsy and Paroxysmal Conditions. 2022; 14 (1): 8–14. https://doi.org/10.17749/2077-8333/epi.par.con.2022.098

3. El-Dib M., Chang T., Tsuchida T., Clancy R. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in neonates. Pediatr Neurol. 2009; 41 (5): 315-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2009.05.002.