The Relationship Between NIRS, SSEPs & EEG
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Relationship Between Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) and Electroencephalography (EEG) when used in Monitoring Critically Ill Children
IRAS ID
201280
Contact name
William McDevitt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 25 days
Research summary
Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is used to monitor how much oxygen the brain is receiving by placing two small sensors on the forehead. One of the applications of this technique is to identify signs of potential brain damage in children with insufficient cardiac output, particularly in those who require artificial heart and lungs support. This technique is called Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. Even though NIRS is used worldwide, including UK intensive care units (ICU), there is no agreed national protocol for its use in monitoring critically ill children and the relationship between transient changes in oxygen supply and brain function is still investigated.
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP) and Electroencephalography (EEG) on the other hand are established techniques that measure changes in electrical brain function over time by placing small discs over the scalp. In this study we propose to evaluate whether abnormalities in NIRS measurements recorded during the ECMO procedure correspond to changes in brain function as measured by SSEP & EEG in children with insufficient cardiac output. We propose to perform the SSEP & EEG on three occasions, each for four hours during their routine clinical care. Patients will receive their routine clinical care (which includes NIRS monitoring) alongside the research interventions. SSEP & EEG data will then be compared to NIRS data. We expect that this knowledge will increase our understanding of the impact of the oxygen decrease to the brain during ECMO therapy in patients with low cardiac output and contribute to establish a rationale for using NIRS monitors during ECMO therapy.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0029
Date of REC Opinion
27 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion