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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor Cerebral Function Monitor to Neonates
Published on: September 6, 2017
Being Born Small for Gestational Age Influences Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography and Later Outcome in
Eva Schwindt1, Cornelia Thaller, Christine Czaba-Hnizdo
1Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Insights
Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) before 30 weeks gestation show abnormal early brain activity (aEEG) and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Perinatal medicine
- Developmental neuroscience
Background:
- Growth restriction significantly impacts perinatal morbidity.
- Limited electroencephalographic (EEG) data exist on the effects of growth restriction.
- Early brain function assessment in preterm infants is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of being born small for gestational age (SGA) on amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) scores in preterm infants.
- To determine the association between SGA, early aEEG, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months.
- To analyze aEEG in preterm infants (<30 weeks gestation) within the first two weeks of life.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of aEEG data in preterm infants born SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
- Combined aEEG scoring included background activity, sleep-wake cycles (SWC), and seizure activity.
- Neurodevelopmental outcome assessed at 24 months using Bayley Scales and neurological examination.
Main Results:
- Infants born SGA exhibited significantly more abnormal aEEG scores (57% vs. 24%) compared to AGA infants.
- SGA infants showed less frequent sleep-wake cycles (SWC) and a higher incidence of seizure activity.
- Fewer SGA infants achieved normal neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years (36.2% vs. 59.6%).
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants born SGA (<30 weeks gestation) demonstrate suboptimal early aEEG patterns.
- Being born SGA is associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months in this cohort.
- Early aEEG may serve as a predictor of later neurodevelopmental status in preterm SGA infants.
Background:
The impact of growth restriction on perinatal morbidity is well known, but electroencephalographic (EEG) data on its influence are still scarce.
Objectives:
We aimed to analyze the influence of being born small for gestational age (SGA; defined as a birth weight <10th percentile) on the amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) score in the first 2 weeks of life in preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation, and its impact on later outcome.
Methods:
aEEG data obtained within the first 2 weeks of life on preterm infants born SGA and before 30 weeks of gestational age (GA) were analyzed retrospectively using a combined score [including background activity, occurrence of sleep-wake cycles (SWC) and suspected seizure activity]. Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated at 24 months by means of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II and a standardized neurological examination.
Results:
One hundred and thirty-six patients were included (47 SGA and 89 controls). Infants with SGA had abnormal aEEG scores significantly more often (57 vs. 24%, p = 0.002) than infants born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). They also displayed SWC less frequently (65 vs. 96%, p = 0.001), were more likely to develop seizure activity (15 vs. 4%, p = 0.013) and had a normal neurodevelopmental outcome at the age of 2 years less frequently (36.2 vs. 59.6%, p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
Preterm infants born SGA and before 30 weeks of GA had less optimal scores on early aEEG and a poorer neurodevelopmental outcome at 24 months than the AGA controls.
