The Role of Amplitude Integrated Electroencephalography (a-EEG) in Neonates

Background: Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is a method for continuous monitoring of brain activity that is increasingly used in the neonatal intensive care unit. In its simplest form, aEEG is a processed singlechannel electroencephalogram that is filtered and timecompressed. It is useful to monitor cerebral background activity, diagnose and treat seizures and predict neurodevelopmental outcome. Aim of the Work: Is to identify the role of a-EEG in neonates with different gestational ages, diseases, circumstances. Patients and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 neonates) 20 patients & 20 controls) admitted in International Tanta University Hospital NICU. Amplitude integrated EEG was done by Nicolet EEG v32. aEEG was recorded from 2 channels: F3-F4 & P3-P4. Results: All controls had normal aEEG while 14 of 20 patients had normal aEEG and 6 had abnormal aEEG. The sensitivity of aEEG for detection of neurological abnormalities was 71.4% and specificity was 92.3%. There was significant difference between aEEG in preterm and full term as regards background activity and sleep wake cycling. Normal aEEG corresponded with normal EEG in 92.85% of the patients, and abnormal aEEG corresponded with abnormal EEG in 83.34% of the patients. 66.67% of patients with abnormal aEEG died and 33.33% had been discharged while 92.85% of patients with normal aEEG had been discharged and 7.15% died. Conclusion: aEEG is a simple, inexpensive bedside modality that has a great role in monitoring brain function in neonates, predicting neurological outcome and demonstrating brain maturation.