ExG Version 1.2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility of continuous surface electro-gastrography (sEGG) and surface electro-myography (sEMG) monitoring in Paediatric Intensive Care
IRAS ID
157604
Contact name
Balazs Fule
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham Children's Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
1.5 million UK children are admitted to hospital and 4500 out of these children require paediatric intensive every year1. Acute illness has a strong impact on the function of the gastrointestinal system (stomach) and the workload of respiratory muscles. Surface electro-gastrography (sEGG) and surface electro-myography (sEMG) have the potential of providing useful clinical information regarding the function of the gastrointestinal system and the respiratory muscles beyond routine monitoring, hence improving patient care.
sEGG and sEMG are widely used as diagnostic tests, however their use was limited to short periods of time. Recent improvements in technology may allow recording these biopotentials over longer periods of time.
We will have children in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit continuously monitored with surface electrode sensors applied to their body independently of routine monitoring. The electrodes will be attached to a special amplifier, which will be wirelessly connected to a lap-top. The acquired unfiltered raw signal will be separated into sEGG and sEMG signals after post-processing.
This study is a pilot to establish that we can collect continuous sEGG and sEMG data in the settings of paediatric intensive care. There will be no direct benefits to patients participating in this study.
Beyond this project, the value of continuous monitoring of sEGG and sEMG in monitoring patient status in intensive care and other settings would be the subject of further investigations.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1221
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion