Background: To describe amplitude-integrated encephalogram (aEEG) characteristics of neonates with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
Methods: This is a prospective observational study. Newborns exposed to prenatal opioids and their gestational matched controls were included. A single-channel aEEG was obtained using Olympic 6000 CFM monitor. The background activity (continuous/discontinuous), the amplitudes (μV) and the presence of sleep-wake cycle (SWC) were documented.
Results: A total of 59 infants, 23 with NAS and 36 controls were enrolled. All aEEG were completed within 48 hours of life prior to initiation of treatment. Birth weight and gestational age were similar in both groups. An aEEG was abnormal (discontinuous pattern and/or absent SWC) in 78 % (18/23) of infants with NAS versus only 25% in control group (9/36), [OR 10.8, CI (2.7-46.5) P < 0.001]. 61% of infants with NAS had discontinuous pattern [OR 7.8, CI (2-32) P = 0.001] and 39% had absence of sleep-wake cycle [OR 7.1, CI (1.4-39.4) P = 0.007].
Conclusions: A majority of infants with NAS have abnormal aEEG activity.