Using point-of-care EEG in pediatric emergency departments
The Role of Point-of-care EEG in the Pediatric Emergency Department
This study is testing if a quick EEG done in the emergency room can help doctors find out if children with confusion or seizures have a specific type of epilepsy more effectively than the usual EEG done later in a clinic.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Children's Hospital, Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zürich) |
| Trial ID | NCT05418634 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility and utility of point-of-care EEG (pocEEG) for detecting non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in children presenting with impaired consciousness in the pediatric emergency department. The researchers will compare the results of pocEEG with conventional EEG recordings in an outpatient epilepsy clinic. The aim is to provide timely diagnostic information that can aid in the management of acute neurological emergencies in children. The study will include pediatric patients with unexplained altered mental status or ongoing seizures, and informed consent will be obtained from parents or guardians when possible.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include pediatric patients presenting with unexplained impaired consciousness or suspected non-convulsive status epilepticus.
Not a fit: Patients with altered mental status of known etiology or those who decline informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to quicker and more accurate diagnoses of non-convulsive seizures in children, improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for point-of-care EEG in similar settings, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: General: PED: * Pediatric patients with unexplained impaired consciousness, suspicion of NCSE, active SE presenting to the PED * Informed consent of patient of parents/persons responsible, if possible, otherwise emergency situation procedure (according to national regulations for research in emergency situations) CLINIC: * Informed consent as documented by signature * Pediatric patients undergoing cEEG in the outpatient epilepsy clinics * Either suspected/ to rule out epilepsy or established diagnosis of epilepsy Exclusion Criteria: PED: * AMS of known etiology or another diagnosis * Declined informed consent CLINIC: * Failure to provide signed informed consent * Changes in health condition which might interfere with the EEG recording.
Where this trial is running
Zürich
- University Children's Hospital Zurich — Zürich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Georgia Ramantani, MD, PhD — University Children's Hospital, Zurich
- Study coordinator: Leopold Simma, MD
- Email: leopold.simma@kispi.uzh.ch
- Phone: +41442667111
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.