Does the duration of video-EEG recording influence diagnostic yield in pediatric epilepsy: Results from a single center study

Abstract

Aim: This exploratory study examines the association of the duration of electroencephalography (EEG) recordings to diagnostic yield in children undergoing evaluation for seizures. Method: Clinical and EEG data on three hundred and ten patients (167 males and 143 females) were reviewed retrospectively. 134 (43.2%) children with focal-onset seizures, and 59 (19%) children with generalized-onset seizures. The mean duration of recordings in studies interpreted as “diagnostic” was compared to studies that were interpreted as “non-diagnostic”. EMU recordings were also compared to routine EEG studies to identify the relationship between routine EEG and diagnostic studies. Results: The principal finding of this study indicates that a longer duration of monitoring is more likely to be associated with a positive diagnostic yield. Mean duration of recording in children with a “non-diagnostic study” was 31.05 hours versus 44.27 hours; p < 0.001 in a “diagnostic study”. EMU recordings are likely to be diagnostic with longer epilepsy duration (2.6 years vs 3.7 years; p < 0.01). A diagnostic EEG from a prolonged recording is more likely to be achieved in children with abnormal routine EEG and focal-onset seizures. p < 0.001. Interpretation: Tailoring the optimal duration of EEG recordings and factoring in confounding variables will reduce the need for repeated studies, improving diagnostic utility and permitting efficient utilization of resources.