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Updated: May 8, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Neurological maturation of late preterm infants at 34 wk assessed by amplitude integrated electroencephalogram
Ross Sommers1, Richard Tucker1, Chellamani Harini2
1Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island & The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Insights
Measures of central nervous system (CNS) immaturity, assessed by amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG), and clinical morbidities predict hospitalization length in late preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Clinical neurophysiology
Background:
- Late preterm infants (34 weeks gestation) face risks of central nervous system (CNS) immaturity.
- Amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) offers a measure of CNS maturity.
- Associated clinical morbidities may also impact infant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if CNS immaturity, assessed by aEEG, and clinical morbidities influence hospitalization duration in late preterm infants.
- To explore the relationship between aEEG variables and length of hospital stay.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 80 infants born at 34 weeks gestation.
- Single 6-hour aEEG recording within 72 hours of birth.
- Follow-up for CNS and non-CNS morbidities and hospitalization length.
Main Results:
- Seventy-five aEEG recordings were analyzed; average hospitalization was 10.4 days.
- Higher number of aEEG cycles in the first 72 hours correlated with shorter hospitalization (r²=0.44, P<0.001).
- Morbidities indicating neurological immaturity were linked to longer hospital stays (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Neurological maturation, indicated by aEEG, is a key factor in hospitalization length for late preterm infants.
- Specific clinical morbidities also significantly determine hospitalization duration.
Background:
This study tested if measures of central nervous system (CNS) immaturity reflected by amplitude integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) and associated clinical morbidities are determinants of length of hospitalization among late preterm infants born at 34 wk.
Methods:
This was a prospective cohort study of infants with a gestational age of 34 wk 0-6 d who had a single aEEG recording acquired over 6 h in a neonatal intensive care unit within 72 h of birth (n = 80). Infants were followed for predefined morbidities (classified as CNS or non-CNS) and length of hospitalization (determined by the clinical care team). aEEG variables were correlated with length of hospitalization.
Results:
Eighty infants were enrolled and 75 aEEG recordings were analyzed. The average length of hospitalization was 10.4 ± 7.2 d (range 3-46 d). The total number of cycles recorded in the first 72 h following birth were inversely correlated with the length of hospitalization (r(2) = 0.44, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that morbidities consistent with neurological immaturity were associated with a longer length of hospitalization (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Neurological maturation as indicated by aEEG and specific clinical morbidities is an important determinant of length of hospitalization among late-preterm infants.
