| Abstract: | The electroencephalograms of 82 infants (between 27 and 37 weeks of conceptional age) recorded during the neonatal period were analyzed and compared with the ultimate clinical evolution. Three groups of infants were identified according to their neurological state at 3 years of age or older: group A: normal (34 infants), group B: minor neurological sequellae (13 infants) and group C: major neurological sequellae (17 infants). A fourth group (group D: 18 infants) died during the neonatal period. The E.E.Gs were classified as: normal, questionably abnormal, moderately abnormal or grossly abnormal. The analysis revealed that E.E.Gs classified as grossly abnormal, were found only in groups B, C and D. Serial E.E.Gs were of more value in distinguishing these groups. Only infants in groups C and D (with I exceptional case in group B) had E.E.Gs which remained abnormal for several weeks or which deteriorated during the neonatal period. This study shows the prognostic value of the E.E.G. recorded during the neonatal period, particularly serial recordings obtained during and after a period of clinical deterioration. A detailed statistical analysis of the E.E.Gs is in progress. |
