Differences in the dynamics of frontal sharp transients in normal and hypoglycemic newborns

Objective: This study focuses on the characteristics of frontal sharp trans ients (FST), a normal variant of neonatal EEG, in newborns with hypoglycemi a. Methods: The EEG from 20 newborns with symptomatic hypoglycemia were compar ed with a control group of normal newborns matched by conceptional age. The dynamics of these transients were evaluated concerning sleep stages. The d ensity, type and bilateral synchrony of FST were also calculated. The resul ts were compared in the two groups by Student's t test. Results: When compared with controls, hypoglycemic newborns have increased density of frontal sharp transients in all sleep stages but less bilateral synchrony (P < 0.05). FST density was even higher in small for gestational age newborns. Conclusions: The data suggests that normal patterns of neonatal EEG as FST can be influenced by systemic disturbances. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Irela nd Ltd. All rights reserved.