A Polygraphic Study of Bioelectrical Brain Maturation In Preterm Infants

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Abstract
Bioelectrical brain maturation was studied in 26 low-risk preterm infants by serial polygraphic recordings. A modified method of visual EEG analysis was used, based on Parmelee''s coding system, which allowed quantification. The main characteristics of EEG maturation in preterm infants were a progressive spatio-temporal differentiation, with an increase of rhythmic activities and a decrease of rhythmic activities and a decrease of discontinuity. A strong relationship was found between post-menstrual age of the infants and EEG maturity, but exceptions did exist. Longer duration of extra-uterine life had a small accelerating influence on EEG maturation. Certain basic types of EEG patterns were closely related to behavioral states, whereas EEG maturity was not state-dependent. The relationship between EEG pattern types and behavioral states becomes more stable with increasing age.