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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Absent cyclicity on aEEG within the first 24 h is associated with brain damage in preterm infants
H Kidokoro1, T Kubota, N Hayashi
1Department of Pediatrics, Anjo Kosei Hospital, Anjo, Japan. kidokorowu@yahoo.co.jp
Insights
Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) cyclicity within 24 hours of birth can predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Absent cyclicity indicates a higher risk of adverse neurodevelopmental results.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm infants face risks of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Early identification of at-risk infants is crucial for timely intervention.
- Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is a non-invasive tool for monitoring brain activity in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between early amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) patterns and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
- To determine if specific aEEG findings within 24 hours of birth can predict later developmental trajectories.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 12 preterm infants (27-32 weeks gestation) underwent both aEEG and conventional EEG recordings within 12 hours of birth.
- Background aEEG patterns were classified, focusing on the presence or absence of cyclicity and changes on the lower border.
- Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 12 months of corrected age.
Main Results:
- All infants exhibited a discontinuous normal voltage background on aEEG, correlating with conventional EEG findings.
- Eight infants showed cyclicity on aEEG within 24 hours and had favorable outcomes.
- Four infants lacked aEEG cyclicity; three of these experienced abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes, including intraventricular hemorrhage and cystic periventricular leukomalacia.
Conclusions:
- The absence of cyclicity on amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) within the first 24 hours of life is a significant predictor of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
- Early aEEG monitoring can aid in identifying preterm neonates who may require closer neurodevelopmental follow-up and targeted interventions.
Objective:
Our aim was to clarify the relationship between amplitude-integrated electroencephalographic (aEEG) findings before 24 h of age in preterm infants and neurodevelopmental outcome.
Design:
12 infants born between 27 and 32 weeks of gestation were eligible. The recordings of aEEG and conventional EEG were started within 12 h after birth. The background aEEG findings were evaluated and classified. Additionally, we evaluated the absence or presence of changes on the lower border of the aEEG.
Results:
All infants had discontinuous normal voltage background on aEEG, corresponding to decreased or normal continuity on conventional EEG. Cyclicity on aEEG was seen in 8 of 12 infants within 24 h of age, and all of these infants had favourable outcomes. Cyclicity on aEEG was not recognized in 4 infants. 3 of the 4 infants with absent cyclicity had abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months. One of these infants had intraventricular haemorrhage (grade 2) with delayed development, and 2 had cystic periventricular leukomalacia followed by spastic diplegia.
Conclusion:
Absent cyclicity on aEEG within 24 h of age was associated with poor outcome in preterm infants.
