Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Relationship between changes in power spectra of electroencephalograms and arterial halothane concentration in
1Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Faculty of Dentistry, Japan.
Insights
This study found a significant correlation between electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra changes and halothane concentration in infants undergoing surgery. These EEG changes in the occipital lead can be predicted using multiple regression formulas.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Infants undergoing plastic surgery for cleft lip or palate often receive general anesthesia.
- Monitoring anesthetic depth is crucial for patient safety, especially in pediatric populations.
- Electroencephalograms (EEGs) offer a non-invasive method to assess brain activity during anesthesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectral analysis and arterial halothane concentration in infants.
- To determine if EEG patterns can predict anesthetic depth during surgery.
- To establish a quantitative relationship between EEG changes and halothane levels.
Main Methods:
- Power spectral analysis of EEGs using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) in 30 infants.
- Measurement of arterial halothane concentration via gas chromatography.
- Multivariate analysis to examine the relationship between EEG power spectra and halothane concentration.
Main Results:
- Two distinct EEG patterns were observed: a slow wave group and a fast wave group.
- Significant correlations were found between normalized EEG power spectra and arterial halothane concentration in the occipital lead.
- High correlation coefficients (0.71-0.78) and indices of determination (0.50-0.61) were reported for both EEG groups.
Conclusions:
- A significant correlation exists between changes in occipital EEG power spectra and arterial halothane concentration in infants.
- Multiple regression formulas can express the relationship between EEG changes and halothane levels.
- EEG power spectral analysis shows promise for monitoring anesthetic depth in infants.
Abstract:
A power spectral analysis of electroencephalograms (EEGs) was performed in 30 infants who underwent plastic surgery for cleft lip or cleft palate. The study was conducted to investigate whether there was a significant correlation between EEG changes and arterial halothane concentration in infants. The power spectral analysis of EEGs was performed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT). Arterial halothane concentration was measured with gas chromatography. The relationship between the changes in the power spectra of EEGs and the arterial halothane concentration was examined by means of a multivariate analysis. Prior to administration of halothane, two kinds of EEG patterns were discernible. In one pattern the peak of the EEG power spectra was seen in the slow wave band (slow wave group); in the other the peak of the power spectra was present in the fast wave band (fast wave group). In the occipital lead the multiple correlation coefficient and the index of determination of the slow wave group were 0.71 and 0.50, respectively, and those of the fast wave group were 0.78 and 0.61, respectively. A significant correlation was proved to be present between the normalized values of the EEG power spectra and arterial halothane concentration in the occipital lead. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that the relationship between changes in the power spectra of EEGs in the occipital lead and arterial halothane concentration in infants can be expressed by means of multiple regression formulas.

