Diagnostic Significance of Neonatal Electroencephalography

Kim, Byeong Eui; Kim, Heung Dong

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to determine the sensitivity of neonatal electroencephalography (EEG) in detecting underlying brain disease, to compare the sensitivity and specificity of EEG with those of brain ultrasonography and to determine the prognostic value of EEG for neonatal neurologic diseases.
METHODS
Eighty-seven newborn babies were subjected to a electroencephalographic examination for the evaluation of underlying neurological diseases and EEGs were recorded at least before three days of life. The findings of early ultrasonography performed within three days after birth were compared with those of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) or ultrasonography after seven days of life.
RESULTS
The EEG results were more sensitive and specific than ultrasonography for the detection of neonatal brain damage. The EEG results showed 91.7% sensitivity for mild grade neurological sequelae and 100.0% sensitivity for moderate and severe-grade neurological sequelae in predicting the neurological outcome. However, early ultrasonography results showed 20.8% and 18.8% of sensitivity and specificity, respectively.
CONCLUSION
EEG is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting neonatal brain disease and is valuable for predicting the long-term outcome of neurologic sequelae.