Maturational Changes in Automated EEG Spectral Power Analysis in Preterm Infants

• Published in: Pediatric research Vol. 70; no. 5; pp. 529 - 534
• Main Authors: Niemarkt, Hendrik J, Jennekens, Ward, Pasman, Jaco W, Katgert, Titia, van Pul, Carola, Gavilanes, Antonio W D, Kramer, Boris W, Zimmermann, Luc J, Bambang Oetomo, Sidarto, Andriessen, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Nature Publishing Group US 01.11.2011; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
• Subjects: 631/136; 692/700/1720; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - growth & development; Brain Waves - physiology; clinical-investigation; Electroencephalography; General aspects; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature - physiology; Medical sciences; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pediatric Surgery; Pediatrics; Human; Premature; Electrodiagnosis; Pediatrics; Newborn diseases; Prematurity; Electrophysiology; Infant; Electroencephalography; Change; Spectral analysis; Power
• ISSN: 0031-3998; 1530-0447
• DOI: 10.1203/PDR.0b013e31822d748b

Our study aimed at automated power spectral analysis of the EEG in preterm infants to identify changes of spectral measures with maturation. Weekly (10–20 montage) 4-h EEG recordings were performed in 18 preterm infants with GA <32 wk and normal neurological follow-up at 2 y, resulting in 79 recordings studied from 27 +4 to 36 +3 wk of postmenstrual age (PMA, GA + postnatal age). Automated spectral analysis was performed on 4-h EEG recordings. The frequency spectrum was divided in delta 1 (0.5–1 Hz), delta 2 (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) band. Absolute and relative power of each frequency band and spectral edge frequency were calculated. Maturational changes in spectral measures were observed most clearly in the centrotemporal channels. With advancing PMA, absolute powers of delta 1 to 2 and theta decreased. With advancing PMA, relative power of delta 1 decreased and relative powers of alpha and beta increased, respectively. In conclusion, with maturation, spectral analysis of the EEG showed a significant shift from the lower to the higher frequencies. Computer analysis of EEG will allow an objective and reproducible analysis for long-term prognosis and/or stratification of clinical treatment.