Consensus protocol for EEG and amplitude-integrated EEG assessment and monitoring in neonates

The aim of this work is to establish inclusive guidelines on electroencephalography (EEG) applicable all neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Guidelines ideal EEG monitoring for neonates are available, but there significant barriers their implementation in many centres around the world. These include due limited resources regarding availability equipment and technical interpretive round-the-clock personnel. On other hand, despite its limitations, amplitude-integrated (aEEG) (previously called Cerebral Function Monitor [CFM]) a common alternative used NICUs. Italian Neonatal Seizure Collaborative Network (INNESCO), working with national scientific societies interested field clinical neurophysiology, performed systematic literature review promoted interdisciplinary discussions among experts (neonatologists, paediatric neurologists, neurophysiologists, technicians) between 2017 2020 elaborating shared recommendations. A consensus statement videoEEG (vEEG) aEEG principal indications was established. authors propose flexible frame recommendations based complementary use vEEG various different levels complexity according local specific patient features. Suggestions promoting cooperation neonatologists, organisational restructuring, teleneurophysiology provided.