Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography Interpretation During Therapeutic Hypothermia: An Educational Program and Novel Teaching Tool

Abstract

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is now considered a standard in tertiary NICUs. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is an important adjunct to this therapy and is gaining acceptance for use on the neonatal population. It can be easily incorporated into practice with appropriate education and training. Current publications are lacking regarding nursing care of neonatal patients undergoing th with the use of aEEG. This article presents a broad educational program as well as novel teaching tool for neonatal nurses caring for this population.

Hipotermia terapêutica na encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica neonatal: revisão integrativa [Therapeutic hypothermia in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: integrative review] [Hipotermia terapéutica em la encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica neonatal: revisión integrativa]

“…Na segunda fase da EHI, há o acúmulo de neurotransmissores excitatórios e apoptose celular. Se a segunda fase iniciar, qualquer lesão cerebral é consideradairreversível 3,4 .…”

“…A HT é uma técnica utilizada para neuroproteção, mediante mecanismos de diminuição do metabolismo cerebral, redução do edema cerebral citotóxico, da pressão intracraniana e inibição da apoptose celular. Consiste em submeter o RN a termo ou pré-termo tardio (a partir de 36 semanas) a uma temperatura de 33,5 o C dentro das 6 primeiras horas de vida e, durante 72 horas de resfriamento, reaquecer o mesmo de forma lenta e progressiva 3,4 .…”

Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography for Early Diagnosis and Prognostic Prediction of Hypoxic Encephalopathy in Preterm Infants

“…Currently, the latest treatment methods for HE in preterm infants, such as mild hypothermia therapy, are recommended to be conducted as early as possible because early diagnosis and prognostic prediction can provide evidence for its early treatment. In the past, however, the early diagnosis of HE in preterm infants mainly depended on previous onset, clinical manifestations, and MRI images, which lagged in time and delayed the diagnosis, resulting in missing the best time for treatment [1]. Multiple studies globally have concluded that it is difficult to assess prognosis and take measures for neurological protection based on previous onset, clinical manifestations, and MRI imaging and other early diagnostic techniques, as well as the severity of the disease, because the best therapeutic range of HE in preterm infants is approximately 6 h [2,3].…”