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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Seizures in Preterm Neonates: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study.
Hannah C Glass1, Renée A Shellhaas2, Tammy N Tsuchida3
1Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
Preterm neonates experienced more subclinical seizures and higher mortality rates compared to term infants. This highlights the critical need for electroencephalographic monitoring in preterm infants for better seizure management.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Pediatric epilepsy
- Clinical neurophysiology
Background:
- Neonatal seizures are a significant concern, with preterm infants representing a vulnerable population.
- Understanding seizure characteristics in preterm neonates is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize seizures in preterm neonates.
- To compare seizure patterns and outcomes between preterm and term neonates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 611 neonates with seizures.
- Analysis of seizure characteristics by gestational age (extremely preterm, very preterm, moderate to late preterm) and comparison with term neonates.
- Evaluation of etiology, treatment, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and intracranial hemorrhage were common etiologies in preterm neonates.
- Subclinical seizures were more frequent in preterm infants (24%) than term infants (14%).
- Mortality was significantly higher in preterm neonates (35%) compared to term infants (15%).
Conclusions:
- Preterm neonates exhibit a higher incidence of subclinical seizures and increased mortality.
- Electroencephalographic monitoring is essential for optimizing the management of seizures in preterm infants.
- Further research may lead to improved therapeutic strategies for this population.
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