[Continuous electroencephalogram monitoring in a pediatric intensive care unit].

This study sought to determine the effectiveness of continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) monitoring for predicting neurological outcome among children with status epilepticus or altered consciousness in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We detected nonconvulsive seizures and evaluated the relationship between electroencephalogram features and neurological outcome. Nonconvulsive seizures were detected in nearly 30% of the 79 patients who underwent cEEG monitoring, a rate that was similar to those seen in studies of adults. All patients who showed low voltage readings (< or = 10 micro V) at the time cEEG monitoring was started had poor neurological outcome (any changes in Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale). Among patients who did not show low voltage readings, those who exhibited nonconvulsive seizures were more likely to have poor neurological outcome than those who did not. In a PICU, cEEG monitoring can help to predict neurological outcome in the early stage of treatment for children with status epilepticus or altered consciousness.