Baby WAVeS- Wireless Assessment of aEEG Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising remote aEEG monitoring in newborns with acquired brain injuries.
IRAS ID
358058
Contact name
Ela Chakkarapani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Development University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 2 days
Research summary
Birth asphyxia affects approximately 4 million newborn babies each year worldwide, with around one quarter developing brain dysfunction called encephalopathy leading to long-term disabilities. In clinical practice, encephalopathy following birth asphyxia is diagnosed based on abnormalities from focussed neurological examination and brain wave monitoring called amplitude integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) using a cerebral function monitor (CFM) which requires a neonatal intensive care stay (NICU).
NICU-based aEEG monitoring prolongs babies' hospital stay by 2-3 days, costs the NHS approximately £1734 per day and results in separation of mother and baby. Crucially, many of these babies may not require intensive care and theoretically could have remote aEEG monitoring while remaining with their mothers.
A compact wireless system would facilitate brain wave monitoring closer to mothers. Huru has developed a lightweight and compact brain wave monitoring device, called Clic EEG, that can be applied to the baby's scalp with a stick-on interface, with the aim that brain activity could be monitored via bluetooth, which would allow normal parent-baby interaction.
In this study, we will explore the feasibility of using Clic EEG in the NICU on newborn babies requiring CFM and in healthy babies. Comparability of data between CFM and Clic EEG will also be evaluated. A previously developed algorithm will convert the raw EEG signal as recorded by CLic EEG to aEEG, thereby allowing direct comparison with the CFM data.By converting raw EEG that is recoded by Clic EEG and convert it to an aEEG signal, we will be able to explore the feasibility of using Clic EEG in the NICU on newborn babies requiring CFM monitoring and healthy babies as well as evaluate the comparability of data acquired with the Clic EEG and the standard CFM.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0161
Date of REC Opinion
30 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion