EEG abnormalities in survivors of neonatal ECMO: its role as a predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome

The incidence and site of electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities and the efficacy of post-ECMO EEG as a predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated in survivors of neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). All survivors of neonatal ECMO with an EEG performed prior to their discharge were included if they had at least 12 months of follow-up. The neurodevelopmental outcome was reported as normal, suspect, and abnormal on the basis of neurological examination and the scores on Bayley Scales of Infant Development or McCarthy Scale of Children's Abilities. EEG abnormalities were noted in 31 (70%) of 44 infants. The distribution of EEG abnormalities was not significantly different for right and left hemispheres. The incidence of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome was similar in infants with a normal or an abnormal EEG (3 of 13 vs. 7 of 31; p = 0.8). EEG abnormalities had no correlation with neurodevelopmental outcome. We conclude that the high incidence of EEG abnormalities and their lack of correlation with neurodevelopmental outcome would suggest that these abnormalities do not represent permanent brain injury and a single EEG performed after decannulation from ECMO is not helpful in identifying infants at risk of subsequent abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome.