EEG abnormalities in survivors of neonatal ECMO: Its role as a predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome

The incidence and site of electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities and the efficacy of post-ECMO EEG as a predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated in survivors of neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECM O). All survivors of neonatal ECMO with an EEG performed prior to their dis charge were included if they had at least 12 months of follow-up. The neuro developmental outcome was reported as normal, suspect, and abnormal on the basis of neurological examination and the scores on Bayley Scales of Infant Development or McCarthy Scale of Children's Abilities. EEG abnormalities w ere noted in 31 (70%) of 44 infants. The distribution of EEC abnormalities was not significantly different for right and left hemispheres. The inciden ce of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome was similar in infants with a nor mal or an abnormal EEG (3 of 13 vs. 7 of 31; p = 0.8). EEC abnormalities ha d no correlation with neurodevelopmental outcome. We conclude that the high incidence of EEC abnormalities and their lack of correlation with neurodev elopmental outcome would suggest that these abnormalities do not represent permanent brain injury and a single EEC performed after decannulation from ECMO is not helpful in identifying infants at risk of subsequent abnormal n eurodevelopmental outcome.