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Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Combined use of electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging in full-term neonates with acute encephalopathy
E Biagioni1, E Mercuri, M Rutherford
1Department of Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Insights
Early electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively predict outcomes in infants with neonatal encephalopathy. Combining EEG and MRI offers reliable prognostic insights for neurodevelopmental follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Clinical Neurophysiology
Background:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are established prognostic tools for acute neonatal encephalopathy.
- Previous studies confirm the individual prognostic value of both EEG and MRI in term infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between early EEG and MRI findings in infants with acute neonatal encephalopathy.
- To assess the combined prognostic value of EEG and MRI for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 25 full-term infants diagnosed with acute neonatal encephalopathy.
- EEG recorded within 72 hours of birth; neonatal brain MRI performed after the first week of life.
Main Results:
- Both EEG and MRI independently predicted infant outcomes.
- Normal MRI correlated with normal EEG and normal outcome; severe MRI abnormalities indicated abnormal EEG and outcome.
- In cases with moderate MRI abnormalities, EEG accurately differentiated between normal and abnormal outcomes in all but one infant.
Conclusions:
- Early EEG and MRI findings are highly correlated in term infants with neonatal encephalopathy.
- The combination of EEG and MRI provides a reliable assessment of neurodevelopmental prognosis.
- These neuroimaging and neurophysiological tools are crucial for guiding clinical management and follow-up.
Objective:
The electroencephalogram (EEG) is widely used in full-term infants with acute neonatal encephalopathy, and its prognostic value has been confirmed by several studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain has also been applied in these patients, and increasing numbers of reports affirm its prognostic reliability. The aim of this study has been to investigate the correlation between an early EEG and MRI findings in infants with acute neonatal encephalopathy and to assess the prognostic value of a combination of EEG and MRI findings.
Participants And Methods:
Twenty-five full-term infants had an EEG recorded within the first 72 hours after birth and a neonatal brain MRI scan after the end of the first week.
Results:
Both EEG and MRI were predictive of outcome. A normal MRI was always associated with normal EEG background activity and normal outcome and severe abnormalities on MRI with marked EEG abnormalities and an abnormal outcome. When the MRI showed moderate abnormalities, the EEG in all cases but one identified patients with normal and abnormal outcome.EEG, MRI, HIE, neurodevelopment.
