Being Born Small for Gestational Age Influences Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography and Later Outcome in Preterm Infants

Background: The impact of growth restriction on perinatal morbidity is well known, but electroencephalographic (EEG) data on its influence are still scarce.

Objectives: We aimed to analyze the influence of being born small for gestational age (SGA; defined as a birth weight <10th percentile) on the amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) score in the first 2 weeks of life in preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation, and its impact on later outcome.

Methods: aEEG data obtained within the first 2 weeks of life on preterm infants born SGA and before 30 weeks of gestational age (GA) were analyzed retrospectively using a combined score [including background activity, occurrence of sleep-wake cycles (SWC) and suspected seizure activity]. Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated at 24 months by means of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II and a standardized neurological examination.

Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients were included (47 SGA and 89 controls). Infants with SGA had abnormal aEEG scores significantly more often (57 vs. 24%, p = 0.002) than infants born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). They also displayed SWC less frequently (65 vs. 96%, p = 0.001), were more likely to develop seizure activity (15 vs. 4%, p = 0.013) and had a normal neurodevelopmental outcome at the age of 2 years less frequently (36.2 vs. 59.6%, p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Preterm infants born SGA and before 30 weeks of GA had less optimal scores on early aEEG and a poorer neurodevelopmental outcome at 24 months than the AGA controls.