Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/11351
Title: Video-EEG long term monitoring as a new service at Mater Dei Hospital
Authors: Gravino, Gilbert
Galea, Bernard
Soler, Doriette
Vella, Norbert
Aquilina, Josanne
Keywords: Seizures
Electroencephalography
Epilepsy
Issue Date: 2016
Publisher: Malta Medical Journal
Citation: Malta Medical Journal. 2016, Vol. 28(2), p. 46-54
Abstract: Introduction: Video-EEG long-term monitoring (LTM) was introduced into Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) in May 2012. The audit aims to evaluate LTM in terms of diagnostic outcomes and impact on patient management. Methods: Analysis was carried out after retrospective review of 30 inpatients who underwent LTM at MDH between May 2012 and May 2014. 31 LTM sessions were performed. Referrals were made by 3 consultant neurologists. LTM and medical records were compared to evaluate whether LTM determined a change in diagnosis and how this affected management outcomes. Results: Patient ages ranged from 3 months to 73 years (35.5% paediatric cases) (16 male , 15 female studies). The most common indication was for uncontrolled seizures (54.8%), followed by suspected non-epileptic seizures (NES) (29%). The average hospital stay was 2 days for paediatric patients and 5 for adult cases. Major monitoring interruptions were recorded in 5 paediatric and 1 adult case. Comparing pre- with post-LTM diagnosis showed that the investigation changed or identified a new diagnosis in 38.7%, confirmed the diagnosis in 29%, and was inconclusive in 32.3% (inconclusive in 45.5% of paediatric cohort and 25% of adult cohort). It led to medication optimisation in 38.7% and neuropsychiatry referrals in 22.6%. The remaining were unchanged, not followed up or referred for other tests. None were referred for surgery. Conclusion: LTM is an important tool which influenced patient management through changes in medication or referrals in 64.5% of cases. Continuous evaluation of the techniques used and resources available is recommended to increase the yield of conclusive LTM studies.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/11351
Appears in Collections:MMJ, Volume 28, Issue 2
MMJ, Volume 28, Issue 2
Scholarly Works - FacM&SMed

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