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Updated: May 30, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Early infantile electroencephalography in patients with spina bifida*
I Cuppen1, A Vinck, N Geerdink
1Department of Paediatric Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. i.cuppen@neuro.umcn.nl
Insights
Electroencephalography (EEG) in infants with spina bifida has limited prognostic value. Further neurophysiological investigations may improve predictive capabilities for developmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Spina bifida is a complex congenital condition impacting neurological development.
- Early prognostic indicators are crucial for managing affected infants.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) is a common neurophysiological tool used in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic significance of early electroencephalography (EEG) in infants diagnosed with spina bifida.
- To determine if neonatal EEG can predict long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 31 infants with spina bifida.
- EEG recordings were performed within the first 8 weeks of life.
- Infants were followed for 2.5 years to assess neurodevelopmental status.
Main Results:
- All electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in the study cohort were within normal limits.
- No EEG abnormalities were detected in any of the infants.
- Three out of 31 children exhibited mild intellectual disability and significant physical impairments at 30 months of age.
Conclusions:
- A single neonatal electroencephalography (EEG) recording offers limited prognostic value for infants with spina bifida.
- Serial EEG assessments, potentially combined with other clinical or neurophysiological tests, may enhance predictive accuracy for developmental trajectories.
Objective:
The aim of this prospective study was to assess the prognostic value of electroencephalography in infants born with spina bifida.31 infants with spina bifida born between 2002 and 2007 at the Radboud Nijmegen University Medical Centre were evaluated and followed for 2½ years. Electroencephalography (EEG) was performed during the first 8 weeks after birth.
Results:
EEG recordings were all within normal limits and showed no abnormalities. 3 of the 31 children showed mild mental disability and major physical disabilities at the age of 30 months.
Conclusion:
Single Infantile EEG recordings are of limited prognostic value for infants born with spina bifida. Serial EEG recordings in combination with other clinical or neurophysiological investigations might ameliorate the contributing predictive value of neonatal EEG.
