Frontal Intermittent Rhythmic Delta Activity (FIRDA) in the Neurological Intensive Care: Prevalence, Determinants, and Clinical Significance:

Introduction. Frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA), a transient rhythmic slow wave pattern over the anterior EEG leads, has been reported in a wide variety of cerebral lesions and different metabolic disturbances. Few authors have analyzed the frequency and clinical significance of FIRDA in the critical care setting. We aimed to better understand these issues in our intensive care cohort and if possible, try to delineate its underlying mechanisms. Methods. Video-EEG reports of consecutive adult patients in the neurological intensive care unit (NICU) since 2009 were retrospectively reviewed to identify cases with FIRDA. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from EEG reports and patient charts. Age- and sex-matched patients with acute stroke, hospitalized in NICU and no FIRDA on video-EEG monitoring served as the control group. Results. Among 162 patients who underwent video-EEG monitoring, FIRDA was documented in 17%. Female prevalence was 50% and age ranged from 23 to 82...