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Background/Objective: Seizure monitoring via amplitude-integrated EEG is standard of care in many neonatal intensive care units; however, conventional EEG is the gold standard for seizure detection. We compared the diagnostic yield of amplitude-integrated EEG interpreted at the bedside, amplitude-integrated EEG interpreted by an expert, and conventional EEG. Methods: Neonates requiring seizure monitoring received amplitude-integrated EEG and conventional EEG in parallel. Clinical events and amplitude-integrated EEG were interpreted at bedside. Subsequently, amplitude-integrated EEG and conventional EEG were independently analyzed by experienced neonatology and neurology readers. Sensitivity and specificity of bedside amplitude-integrated EEG as compared to expert amplitude-integrated EEG interpretation and conventional EEG were evaluated. Results: Thirteen neonates were monitored for an average duration of 33 hours (range 15-94, SD 25). Fourteen seizure-like events were detected by clinical observation, and 12 others by bedside amplitude-integrated EEG analysis. One of the clinical, and none of the bedside amplitude-integrated EEG events were confirmed as seizures on conventional EEG. Post hoc expert amplitude-integrated EEG interpretation revealed eight suspected seizures, all different from the ones detected by the bedside amplitude-integrated EEG team, of which one was confirmed via conventional EEG. Eight seizures were recorded on conventional EEG. Expert amplitude-integrated EEG interpretation had a sensitivity of 13% with 46% specificity for individual seizure detection, and a sensitivity of 50% with 46% specificity for detecting patients with seizures. Conclusion: Real-world bedside amplitude-integrated EEG monitoring failed to detect all seizures evidenced via conventional EEG, while misclassifying other events as seizures. Even post hoc expert amplitude-integrated EEG interpretation provided limited sensitivity and specificity. Considering the poor sensitivity and specificity of bedside amplitude-integrated EEG interpretation, combined monitoring may provide limited clinical benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to determine public perception surrounding Tourette syndrome through viewers’ responses to videos on YouTube. The top 20 videos on YouTube for search terms Tourette’s, Tourette’s syndrome, Tourettesyndrome and tics were selected. The portrayal of Tourette syndrome was assessed as positive, negative, or neutral. Top 10 comments for each video were graded as “sympathetic,” “neutral,” or “derogatory.” A total of 14 970 hits were obtained and 41 videos were retained, with an average of 590 113 views (1369 to 13 747 069) and 1761 comments (0 to 35 241). Twenty-two percent of videos retained portrayed Tourette syndrome negatively, 20% were neutral and 59% positive. Negative portrayals were significantly associated with more views (Spearman correlation rho = –.46, P =.003) and comments (Spearman correlation rho = –.47, P = .002). Although excellent examples of Tourette syndrome are available on YouTube, the popularity of negative portrayals may reinforce existing stigma in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess YouTube videos for their efficacy as a patient resource for infantile spasms. Videos were searched using the terms infantile spasm, spasm, epileptic spasm, and West syndrome. The top 25 videos under each term were selected according to set criteria. Technical quality, diagnosis of infantile spasms, and suitability as a teaching resource were assessed by 2 neurologists using the Medical Video Rating Scale. There were 5858 videos found. Of the 100 top videos, 46% did not meet selection criteria. Mean rating for technical quality was 4.0 of 5 for rater 1 and 3.9 of 5 for rater 2. Raters found 60% and 64% of videos to accurately portray infantile spasms, respectively, with significant agreement (Cohen κ coefficient = 0.75, P < .001). Ten videos were considered excellent examples (grading of 5 of 5) by at least 1 rater. YouTube may be used as an excellent patient resource for infantile spasms if guided search practices are followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes a case of Hashimoto encephalopathy in an 11-year-old girl. She presented with features typical of this disorder including encephalopathy, seizures, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Diagnosis was supported by an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone level, a low levothyroxine level, and positive results for antithyroperoxidase antibody. Her response to typical treatment with levo-thyroxine was incomplete, requiring additional therapy with valproic acid and methylprednisone. Her course was further complicated by the development of acute psychosis. Treatment with risperidone was correlated with resolution of her psychosis and improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms. Response to antipsychotic therapy has not previously been described in the pediatric population with Hashimoto encephalopathy. This case highlights the need for guidelines for the management of this rare disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]