The Significance of the EEG, Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential ( BAEP ) and Brain Ultrasonographic Findings of Asphyxiated Newboms on the Neurological Outcome

Kim, Kug Hwan; Oh, Sang Hyun; Rho, Young Il; Moon, Kyoung Rae; Park, Sang Kee

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between the electrophysiological studies(EEG and BAEP) and brain ultrasonography and the prognosis of the newborn infants with asphyxia.
METHODS
Clinical records, including electrophysiological findings of EEG and BAEP and brain ultrasonography, of 29 term infants with neonatal asphyxia, who had been admitted to the Pediatric Department of Chosun University Hospital between January 1994 and June 1997 were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Out of the 29 cases that returned for follow up, 23 cases were neurodevelopmentally normal, but 6 cases showed delayed development on the Korean Denver Developmental Scale Test(KDDST). Of 19 cases with abnormal EEG findings, 5 showed delayed developrnent on the KDDST(P>0.05). Follow up EEG was performed in 10 cases', 8 of them were normalized, and two remained abnormal without delayed development on the KDDST. Of 8 cases with abnormal brain ultrasonographic findings, 5 showed delayed development on the KDDST(P<0.05). Of 12 with abnormal BAEP findings, 3 showed delayed KDDST(P>0.05). Follow up BAEP was performed in 8 cases, and all cases were normal.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that abnormal findings of EEG and BAEP in the asphyxiated term newborn were reversible, but abnormal brain ultrasonographic findings, especially intracranial hemorrhage, were significantly correlated with delayed development.