Comparing the scores of amplitude integrated electroencephalogram tracings between small and appropriate for gestational age preterm infants

Abstract

Objective To compare the scores of amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) tracings between preterm infants who were smaller for gestational age (SGA) and those who were appropriate for gestation(AGA). Methods A total of 139 preterm infants were collected in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College during the period of Mar.2013 to Feb.2014.One hundred and fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria with gestational ages from 32 to 36 weeks at birth, including 54 SGA infants and 60 AGA infants.The aEEG recordings were obtained within 72 h after birth by using the NicoletOne monitor.Duration of each recording was at least 3 h. Five aspects of each tracing, such as continuity (Co), sleep-wake cycling (Cy), amplitude of the lower border (LB), bandwidth (B) and total maturation scores, were evaluated and compared between 2 groups by applying a aEEG scoring system. Results 1.As SGA infants, scores for Co, Cy, LB, B as well as total maturation scores were progressively increased with gestational age advancing(all P 0.05).2.Linear regression analysis of SGA infants' gestational age to Co, Cy, LB, B and total maturation scores showed positively correlation, and the correlation coefficients were 0.438, 0.597, 0.385, 0.606 and 0.608, respectively (all P<0.05). As AGA infants, a positive correlation between gestational age and Cy, B as well as total maturation scores were observed, and the correlation coefficients were 0.528, 0.615 and 0.635, respectively (all P<0.05).3.At the same gestational age, both the B scores and total maturation scores in SGA group were lower than those in AGA group. Conclusions SGA and AGA, Co, Cy and total maturation scores can be used to evaluate the maturation of cerebral function.At the same gestational age, the scores of B and total maturation scores are lower in the SGA, and this might be associated with their delayed neuromotor development. Key words: Amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram; Cerebral function monitoring; Pretrem infant; Small for gestational age; Appropriate for gestational age; Maturation score