Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in asphyxiated neonates
Insights
Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in asphyxiated neonates often indicate a poor prognosis. Continuous electroencephalographic monitoring helps identify PLEDs, crucial for assessing central nervous system injury and predicting outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Clinical neurophysiology
Background:
- Neonatal encephalopathy following asphyxia presents significant neurological challenges.
- Continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring is vital for detecting subclinical seizures and assessing brain injury in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and prognostic significance of periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in neonates experiencing asphyxia.
- To evaluate the utility of continuous EEG monitoring in identifying PLEDs in this population.
Main Methods:
- Continuous electroencephalographic monitoring was performed on 16 neonates with perinatal asphyxia.
- Electrographic seizures (EGS) and PLEDs were identified and analyzed.
- Clinical outcomes at 12 months were assessed for infants with and without PLEDs.
Main Results:
- Electrographic seizures (EGS) were detected in 13 of 16 neonates.
- Five neonates with EGS also exhibited PLEDs, with electrographic characteristics similar to those in other age groups.
- Neonates with PLEDs had a significantly poorer outcome (1 normal, 2 delayed, 2 died) compared to those without PLEDs (8 normal, 2 delayed, 1 died of other causes).
Conclusions:
- PLEDs in neonates with asphyxia are associated with a poor neurological prognosis, despite lacking diagnostic specificity.
- Continuous EEG monitoring is essential for detecting PLEDs in asphyxiated neonates and aids in predicting outcomes.
- Early identification of PLEDs can inform clinical management and prognostication in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
Abstract:
Electrographic seizures (EGS) were detected in 13 of 16 asphyxiated neonates who were undergoing continuous electroencephalographic monitoring for detection of evidence of central nervous system injury. Five of the 13 neonates with EGS also had periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs). The electrographic characteristics of PLEDs in these infants were similar to those reported in neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis and in older children and adults. Of the 5 neonates with PLEDs, 2 died, 2 are developmentally delayed and only 1 is normal at 12 months. This is in contrast to the normal outcome for 8 of the 11 infants who did not have PLEDs. One other was neurologically normal but died of pulmonary disease at 3 months and the other two were developmentally delayed. PLEDs in neonates, as in other age groups, lack diagnostic specificity, but when associated with neonatal asphyxia, may indicate a poor prognosis. Continuous EEG monitoring is helpful in identifying PLEDs in these cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types