Changes in electrocortical brain activity during exchange transfusions in newborn infants

Electrocortical brain activity (ECBA) was recorded continuously with a cerebral function monitor during 17 exchange transfusions in 13 infants (mean gestational age 36.3 +/- 1.9 weeks, birth weight 2,800 +/- 635 g). The minimum and maximum amplitudes, and bandwidth of the ECBA signal were determined at the end of each withdrawal and infusion period. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), and the minimum and maximum amplitudes decreased during the withdrawal period and increased during the infusion period. The minimum and maximum amplitude changes were very small (< 6% of baseline) and appeared to be primarily associated with MABP changes. We conclude that exchange transfusions do cause minor changes in ECBA, which are probably not clinically relevant.