Limited predictive value of early changes in EEG spectral power for neural injury after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep.

INTRODUCTION

This study examined whether spectral analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG) can discriminate between mild and severe hypoxic-ischemic injury in the immature brain.

RESULTS

Total EEG power was profoundly suppressed after umbilical cord occlusion and recovered to baseline by 5 h after 15-min of occlusion, in contrast with transient recovery in the 25-min (P < 0.05). Power spectra were not different between groups in the first 3 h; α and β power were significantly higher in the 15-min group from 4 h, and Δ and θ power from 5 h (P < 0.05). The 25-min group showed severe neuronal loss in hippocampal regions and basal ganglia at 3 days, in contrast with no/minimal injury in the 15-min group.

DISCUSSION: EEG power after asphyxia did not discriminate between mild and severe injury in the first 3 h in preterm fetal sheep. Severe subcortical neural injury was associated with persistent loss of high-frequency activity.

METHODS

Chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 0.7 gestation (101-104 days; term is 147 days) received either 15-min (n = 13) or 25-min (n = 13) of complete umbilical cord occlusion. The Δ (0-3.9 Hz), θ (4-7.9 Hz), α (8-12.9 Hz), and β (13-22 Hz) components of the EEG were determined by power spectral analysis. Brains were taken at 3 days for histopathology.