Quantitative electroencephalographic patterns in normal preterm infants over the first week after birth

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Currently available tools to assist clinicians with prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants are inadequate. Modified cotside electroencephalography (EEG) has the ability to produce quantitative electrophysiologic measures. These measures may be useful in future prediction of outcome. AIM: To determine patterns of change in quantitative EEG measures in preterm infants during their first week after birth. DESIGN: Observational. SUBJECTS: Preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks completed gestation surviving to discharge with unremarkable serial ultrasound scans. OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in continuity, amplitude and spectral edge frequency measures of EEGs obt..