POWER SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF THE EEG OF TERM INFANTS FOLLOWING BIRTH ASPHYXIA

Abstract

The aim of this pilot study was to perform power spectral analysis of the EEGs of term infants following birth asphyxia, to establish its value as a prognostic indicator. 16 term infants were studied over an 18-month period. Power spectral analysis was performed on the EEGs of babies with signs of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy at regular intervals during the first five days of life. It showed distinct changes following birth asphyxia, which were related to the eventual outcome of the babies. Absolute power was significantly reduced in the babies with poor outcome compared with those with good outcome, particularly in the delta bands.