Electroencephalographic Density Spectral Array monitoring in pediatric anesthesia: clinical background and practical applications.

Depth of hypnosis monitoring using numerical index based processed electroencephalography is part of the standard anesthesia equipment in many operating rooms. Unfortunately, this method has its limitations, especially in pediatric patients. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in raw electroencephalography parameters. Electroencephalographic density spectral array (DSA) monitoring is a real-time technique that can be used in all age groups and with all common anesthetics. We present a practice-oriented introduction to the principle of DSA monitoring in pediatric anesthesia for pediatric anesthesiologists and two algorithms for using this technology in children under sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia.