Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor Cerebral Function Monitor to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Electrocortical Activity at 7 Days of Life is Affected in Extremely Premature Infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus
1Department of Pediatrics I, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
Insights
A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) negatively impacts the brain activity scores of extremely preterm infants at seven days old. These findings suggest reduced cerebral perfusion due to PDA may cause electrocortical disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Perinatal medicine
Background:
- Extremely low gestational age preterm infants (<28 weeks) are at high risk for neurological complications.
- A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in this population and may affect cerebral hemodynamics.
- Assessing brain activity using amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) can identify neurological dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of PDA on aEEG in non-sedated preterm infants at 7 days of life.
- To determine the relationship between gestational age (GA), PDA, and aEEG parameters.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of infants born <28 weeks gestation.
- aEEG recordings at 7 days of life, assessed using Burdjalov score and electronically assessed lower border (eLBA).
- Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis test and linear regression to evaluate GA and PDA effects.
Main Results:
- 44 infants were recruited (GA 26.5 weeks).
- Higher GA correlated with higher aEEG scores and improved continuity.
- Infants with a PDA had lower total Burdjalov scores and reduced continuity compared to those without a PDA.
Conclusions:
- PDA negatively affects the total Burdjalov score and continuity of brain activity at 7 days in extremely preterm infants.
- These electrocortical disturbances may result from diminished cerebral perfusion associated with PDA.
- aEEG is a valuable tool for monitoring neurological status in preterm infants with PDA.
Background:
The aim of this study was to determine whether the aEEG at 7 days of life is influenced by the presence of a PDA in non-sedated extremely low gestational age preterm infants.
Patients:
We prospectively recruited infants born at less than 28 weeks of gestation between 11/2007 and 12/2009.
Method:
aEEGs were recorded at seven days of life and assessed by using the Burdjalov score and the electronically assessed lower border (eLBA). Kruskal-Wallis-Test and linear regression analysis were performed to determine how GA and a PDA affect the aEEG score and the eLBA. Using linear regression analysis we tested which components of the score are affected by a PDA.
Results:
We recruited 44 infants with a GA of 26.5/7 (23.4/7-27.6/7) weeks and a birth weight of 837 (461-1230) g. The total sum of score points increased from 4 (1-6) to 8 (5-9) points in infants born at 23/24 weeks and 27 weeks of gestation, respectively. In infants with relevant PDA the aEEG scored lower with 8 (3-10) points compared to those with PDA: 5 (1-8) points. Linear regression analysis showed a positive influence of GA and a negative influence of a PDA on the total score. GA had a positive influence on SWC and the visually assessed LBA. A PDA had a negative influence on continuity. The eLBA increased from 4.61 (3.18-5.53) µV to 5.27 (3.38-6.51) µV in infants of 23/24 vs. 27 gestational weeks, but was not significantly influenced by a PDA.
Conclusion:
A PDA has a negative influence on the total Burdjalov score and continuity at 7 days of age in infants born at less than 28 weeks of gestation. The electrocortical disturbances may be the consequence of a diminished cerebral perfusion in the presence of a PDA.
