Amplitude-integrated EEG amplitudes differ between wakefulness and sleep states in children

Abstract

Introduction: Interpretation of pediatric amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) is hindered by the lack of knowledge on physiological background patterns in children. The aim of this study was to assess the amplitudes and bandwidths of background patterns during wakefulness and sleep in children from long-term EEGs. Methods: Forty long-term EEGs from patients < 18 years of age without or only solitary interictal epileptiform discharges were converted into aEEGs. Upper and lower amplitudes (μV) of the C3 - C4, P3 - P4, C3 - P3, C4 - P4, and Fp1 - Fp2 channels were measured during wakefulness and sleep. Bandwidths (BW, μV) were calculated, and sleep states assessed during the episodes of interest. A sensitivity analysis excluded patients who received antiepileptic drugs. Results: Median age was 9.9 years (interquartile range 6.1 - 14.7). All patients displayed continuous background patterns. Amplitudes and BW differed between wakefulness (C3 - C4 channel: upper 35 (27 - 49), lower 13 (10 - 19), BW 29 (21 - 34)) and sleep. During sleep, episodes with high amplitudes (upper 99 (71 - 125), lower 35 (25 - 44), BW 63 (44 - 81)) corresponded to sleep states N2 - N4. These episodes were interrupted by low amplitudes that were the dominating background pattern towards the morning (upper 39 (30 - 51), lower 16 (11 - 20), BW 23 (19 - 31), sleep states REM, N1, and N2). With increasing age, amplitudes and bandwidths declined. The sensitivity analysis yielded no differences in amplitude values or bandwidths. Conclusion: aEEG amplitudes and bandwidths were low during wakefulness and light sleep and high during deep sleep in stable children undergoing 24 hour EEG recordings. aEEG values were not altered by antiepileptic drugs in this study.