Cerebral function monitor studies in neonates

Cerebral function monitor (CFM) recordings were obtained from 107 neonates, considered by pediatricians to be neurologically normal on discharge from hospital. Maturational changes in sleep patterns for the tracings over the conceptional age range 30 to 43 weeks were quantified and the resulting EEG measures analyzed statistically. When tracings obtained from neonates of less than three weeks chronological age were considered, significant correlations were found with the weight of the neonate at the time of the recording. For tracings of premature neonates obtained at the mean chronological age of six weeks a relationship was found between EEG measures and Apgar scores. These results are discussed in relation to the mature neonatal EEG, and it is suggested that the CFM provides a simple additional method of assessment.