Neonatal burst suppression: Its developmental significance

• Published in: Pediatric neurology Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 84 - 92
• Main Authors: Grigg-Damberger, Madeleine M., Coker, Steven B., Halsey, Carey L., Anderson, Craig L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.1989
• Subjects: Asphyxia Neonatorum - physiopathology; Brain Diseases - diagnosis; Brain Diseases - etiology; Developmental Disabilities - diagnosis; Developmental Disabilities - etiology; Electroencephalography; Epilepsy - diagnosis; Female; Fetal Distress - physiopathology; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pregnancy; Prognosis
• ISSN: 0887-8994; 1873-5150
• DOI: 10.1016/0887-8994(89)90032-5

Burst suppression was recorded on electroencephalograms of 15 of 274 term infants (5.4%) in our hospital within a 5 year period. These 15 infants were examined, their perinatal histories reviewed, and detailed neuro-developmental testing performed to examine the prognostic significance of burst suppression. Fourteen children (93%) had poor outcomes. Four (26%) died in infancy. Ten survivors were followed for a mean of 30 months (range: 18–61 months). Nine have severe motor deficits, 6 require total custodial care, 5 have intractable epilepsy, and 3 are blind. Their mean Gesell Developmental Quotient was 28; a score of less than 68 suggests severe retardation. A single patient, the only 1 with a perinatal history complicated by an easily-treated bacterial meningitis, achieved normal growth and development. This study documents the dire prognosis of neonatal burst suppression. The appearance of burst suppression, though transient, portended death or severe neuro-developmental disability in 93% of our patients.