Using EEG to predict outcomes in patients with brain injury after cardiac arrest

Accuracy of EEG Slow Wave Activity in Predicting Favourable Outcome in Patients With Hypoxic Brain Injury - A Substudy of STEPCARE Trial

Observational University of Helsinki · NCT06564675

This study is testing if a new way of analyzing brain waves can better predict recovery in adults who have survived a cardiac arrest compared to the usual method.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 110 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Helsinki Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Helsinki and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06564675 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational substudy, part of the STEPCARE Trial, focuses on analyzing EEG data to predict favorable outcomes in adult patients who have experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and have returned to spontaneous circulation. The study compares a new algorithm-based EEG index, the C-Trend Index, with traditional visual analysis of continuous EEG to determine which method more accurately predicts patient recovery. EEG recordings will be collected using a Brainstatus device, and the analysis will be conducted retrospectively, focusing on data collected 9-12 hours after resuscitation. The goal is to establish whether the C-Trend Index can provide at least a 10% improvement in predictive accuracy over visual analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and remain unconscious after resuscitation.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with trauma or hemorrhage as the cause of arrest, or those with skin issues preventing electrode attachment will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the ability to predict recovery outcomes in patients after cardiac arrest, leading to better-informed treatment decisions.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its specific application, similar studies using EEG for outcome prediction in cardiac arrest patients have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* OHCA, with sustained ROSC
* Unconscious after ROSC
* No limitations to full life support
* Randomized to STEPCARE Trial in a participating center with Brainstatus device available

Exclusion Criteria:

* age \<18
* Previously randomized to STEPCARE
* Trauma or hemorrhage as the reasons for arrest
* Suspected or confirmed intracerebral hemorrhage
* Allergy to adhesive material
* Damaged skin at the frontal-temporal are preventing electrode attachment

Where this trial is running

Helsinki and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.