Clinical relevance of age-dependent EEG signatures in the detection of neonates at high risk for apnea

Age dependent EEG signatures were detected in the EEG of 71 neonates of 28- 100 weeks of conceptional age (CA). Using the new method presented, neonate s were automatically classified in three age groups (28-35 weeks CA), (36-4 0 weeks CA) and (41-100 weeks CA). Analysis was performed employing relativ e distance functions for the complete frequency spectra of the EEG register ed by electrodes in C3 and C4 positions. The analysis was successful in aut omatic identification of individuals showing EEG anomalies. Polysomnographi c analysis demonstrated these to be apnea risk patients. Accordingly, a pur ely EEG based detection of neonates that are medically at risk becomes feas ible. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.