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Updated: May 7, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Developmental change of amplitude-integrated electroencephalographic activity in preterm infants with
Jin A Sohn1, Han-Suk Kim, Eun Hee Lee
1Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Insights
Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) monitoring in preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) shows persistent low cycling scores in severe IVH (grade IV) up to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Seizures and interventions impacted brain function scores.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Pediatric Critical Care
Background:
- Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) provides continuous bedside monitoring of brain function.
- Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common complication in preterm infants, potentially affecting brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally evaluate aEEG tracings in preterm infants with varying grades of IVH.
- To assess brain function maturation in relation to postmenstrual age (PMA) and IVH severity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving biweekly aEEG recordings in preterm infants (<32 weeks gestational age) from 24 to 36 weeks PMA.
- aEEG tracings were analyzed using a scoring system adapted from Burdjalov et al.
- Infants were categorized into control (no IVH) and IVH grades I-IV groups.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 496 aEEG recordings from 105 preterm infants revealed significant differences in cycling and total maturation scores among IVH groups at 36 weeks PMA.
- Infants with IVH grade IV consistently showed low cycling scores, contrasting with their continuity and amplitude scores, as PMA increased.
- Seizure events, antiepileptic drug administration, and external ventricular drain insertion were significant risk factors for lower aEEG maturation scores in IVH-IV patients.
Conclusions:
- Persistent low cycling scores on aEEG until 36 weeks PMA were observed in preterm infants with severe IVH (grade IV).
- These findings highlight the long-term impact of severe IVH on brain function maturation in preterm neonates.
Background:
Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) allows continuous brain function monitoring at bedside.
Objectives:
This prospective cohort study was designed to longitudinally evaluate aEEG tracings at increased postmenstrual age (PMA) in preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
Methods:
Biweekly aEEG recordings were performed on preterm infants <32 weeks gestational age from 24 to 36 weeks PMA. The tracings were evaluated according to a scoring system adapted from Burdjalov et al.
Results:
We analyzed 496 aEEG recordings in 105 preterm infants. The control group consisted of 42 infants with no IVH, whereas the IVH grade I, II, III, and IV groups consisted of 38, 8, 3, and 14 infants, respectively. There were significant differences in the cycling and total maturation scores among the IVH groups at 36 weeks PMA (p = 0.010 and p = 0.006, respectively). The IVH-IV patients maintained low scores in their cycling as their PMA increased, in contrast to their continuity and amplitude scores. The risk factors affecting the aEEG maturation scores at 36 weeks PMA in the IVH-IV patients included seizure events with the administration of antiepileptic drugs and the insertion of external ventricular drains (β = -0.679 and β = -0.418, respectively; p = 0.003).
Conclusions:
The low cycling scores persisted until 36 weeks PMA in the IVH-IV group.
