Prognostic value of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and middle latency auditory evoked potentials (MLAEPs) in unconscious patients after cardiac arrest
Authors' conclusion
In unconscious patients after CA with an indeterminate outcome based on neurophysiological criteria, the absence of wave V on BAEPs and the absence of Na/Pa on MLAEPs were highly specific for poor outcome, despite a low sensitivity.
Study context
- Population
- Unconscious patients (disorders of consciousness (DoC)) after cardiac arrest (CA) with indeterminate outcome per current recommendations (no highly malignant EEG, no bilateral absence of N20)67/93 (72%) poor outcome
- Participants
- 93 patients
- Exposure
- BAEP and MLAEP abnormalities for prediction of poor outcome
- Outcome
- Best Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) level; poor outcome = GOS-E ≤ 2:
- Death
- Vegetative state
- Follow-up
- Within 3 months
Methodological detailsprognostic accuracy study, two ICUs
- Prognostic accuracy study
- Two ICUs
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Prediction of poor outcome
| Group | Sensitivity | Specificity |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral absence of wave V | 10.4% | 96.1% |
| Unilateral I/V amplitude ratio > 1 | 11.5% | 87.5% |
| III-V latency > 2 ms | — not stated in the abstract | 70.8% |
| Absence of Na and Pa | 31.8% | 100% |
Sensitivity
Unilateral absence of wave V10.4%
Unilateral I/V amplitude ratio > 111.5%
III-V latency > 2 ms— not stated in the abstract
Absence of Na and Pa31.8%
Specificity
Unilateral absence of wave V96.1%
Unilateral I/V amplitude ratio > 187.5%
III-V latency > 2 ms70.8%
Absence of Na and Pa100%
— not stated in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Prognostic value of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and middle latency auditory evoked potentials (MLAEPs) in unconscious patients after cardiac arrest. Crit Care. Published 3 July 2025. doi:10.
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