Abstracts

Rationale: The conventional method of electroencephalogram (EEG) lead application is time consuming and is only performed by trained technologists who are not always available. The StatNet electrode set can be applied by non-EEG personnel after minimal training. Our objective is to assess whether StatNet EEG compared to conventional EEG is time saving with reliable results in the emergency settings during working hours, in patients suspected of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). Methods: Over 10 months, 19 patients with suspected NCSE were included from Saskatoon Royal University Hospital ER or ICU. Each patient received a StatNet EEG by minimally trained epilepsy fellow and a conventional EEG by trained technologists. We compared the two studies, in a blinded fashion, for the time from EEG order to acquisition, the setup time, duration of artifact, and detection of abnormal findings. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney two-sample T-test was used for comparisons. Results are expressed in mean minutes +/- standard error of the mean. Inter-observer reliability was assessed by Kappa score. Results: Mean age of patients was 61±16.3 (25-93) years (63% females). The inter-observer agreement for detection of abnormal findings including epileptiform discharges was 0.83 for StatNet EEG and 0.75 for routine EEG. NCSE was detected in 10% (2/19). The delay from the time of EEG requisition to acquisition was significantly shorter in the StatNet (22±11) than the conventional EEG (217±194) P = 0.0001. The setup time was also significantly shorter in the StatNet (9.8±3.8) compared to the conventional EEG (17.7±3.5) P = 0.0001. Finally, there was no difference in the percentage of artifact duration between StatNet and conventional EEG (42% vs. 39%, P=0.89). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that StatNet EEG is valid and reduces the delay to a Stat EEG in the emergency settings even during the working hours, without significant compromise of study quality.