Frontal Electroencephalography Findings in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) negatively impacts the central nervous system, and studies using a full montage of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes have reported nonspecific EEG patterns associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The use of this technology is resource-intensive and limited in its implementation. In this descriptive pilot study, we report neurophysiological patterns and the potential prognostic capability of an abbreviated frontal EEG electrode montage in critically ill COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients receiving mechanical ventilation for SARS-CoV-2 respiratory failure were monitored with Sedline Root Devices using EEG electrodes were placed over the forehead. Qualitative EEG assessments were conducted daily. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were duration of endotracheal intubation and lengths of intensive care and hospitalization stay. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included in the study, and EEG discontinuity was identified in 22 (84.6%) patients. The limited sample size and patient heterogeneity precluded statistical analysis, but certain patterns were suggested by trends in the data. Survival was 100% (4/4) for those patients in which a discontinuous EEG pattern was not observed. The majority of patients (87.5%, 7/8) demonstrating activity in the low-moderate frequency range (7 to 17 Hz) survived compared with 61.1% (11/18) of those without this observation. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of COVID-19 patients showed signs of EEG discontinuity during monitoring with an abbreviated electrode montage. The trends towards worse survival among those with EEG discontinuity support the need for additional studies to investigate these associations in COVID-19 patients.

Roadmap for Conducting Neuroscience Research in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond: Recommendations From the SNACC Research Committee.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted many aspects of neuroscience research. At the 2020 Society of Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC) Annual Meeting, the SNACC Research Committee met virtually to discuss research challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic along with possible strategies for facilitating research activities. These challenges and recommendations are included in this Consensus Statement. The objectives are to: (1) provide an overview of the disruptions and challenges to neuroscience research caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and; (2) put forth a set of consensus recommendations for strengthening research sustainability during and beyond the current pandemic. Specific recommendations are highlighted for adapting laboratory and human subject study activities to optimize safety. Complementary research activities are also outlined for both laboratory and clinical researchers if specific investigations are impossible because of regulatory or societal changes. The role of virtual platforms is discussed with respect to fostering new collaborations, scheduling research meetings, and holding conferences such that scientific collaboration and exchange of ideas can continue. Our hope is for these recommendations to serve as a valuable resource for investigators in the neurosciences and other research disciplines for current and future research disruptions.