Prognostic Value of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography in Term Neonates With Encephalopathy

Objective To evaluate the prognostic value of amplitude-integrated EEG in term neonates with encephalopathy. Methods In this prospective observational study we enrolled 58 term neonates with encephalopathy from March, 2019 to March, 2020. Level of alertness was ascertained as per Volpe’s classification and tone as per Amiel-Tison scale of tone assessment. Abnormal aEEG was defined as background activity other than continuous normal voltage, or immature or absent sleep-wake cycle, or presence of electrical seizure. Primary outcome was abnormal neurological examination at discharge and/or death prior to discharge. Results Out of 58 neonates, aEEG was abnormal for 50 (86.2%). There was a statistically significant association between abnormal aEEG findings and primary outcome ( P =0.04). The aEEG score cut-off of >2 had satisfactory sensitivity (88.8%) and specificity (79.5%) to predict primary outcome. Conclusion Abnormal aEEG had good sensitivity but low specificity to predict the primary outcome in term neonates with encephalopathy.