Distribution of sleep and wakefulness EEG patterns in 24-hour recordings of preterm and full-term newborns

The aim of this study was to evaluate the organisation of EEG patterns in 24-h recordings of preterm and near-term neonates. In particular, the distribution of the different EEG codes at different postmenstrual ages (PMA) and the variations of sleep-related EEG pattern organisation was studied, during day (8.00 a.m.-8.00 p.m.) and night (8.00 p.m.-8.00 a.m.) time. The age of appearance of different neonatal EEG patterns, previously described in literature for short lasting records, was confirmed in this 24-h study. The medium-voltage continuous EEG pattern (pattern "3") was less represented approaching term age, in coincidence with the appearance of the two low-voltage continuous patterns ("1" and "2"), which are also related to active sleep and wakefulness. Discontinuous pattern ("7") was also less represented with age, but in day-time only. The percentage of time occupied by this pattern, related to quiet sleep, was significantly higher during day-time hours, than at night

Distribution of sleep and wakefulness EEG patterns in 24-h recordings of preterm and full-term newborns

The aim of this study was to evaluate the organisation of EEG patterns in 24-h recordings of preterm and near-term neonates. In particular, the distribution of the different EEG codes at different postmenstrual ages (PMA) and the variations of sleep-related EEG pattern organisation was studied, during day (8.00 a.m.–8.00 p.m.) and night (8.00 p.m.–8.00 a.m.) time. The age of appearance of different neonatal EEG patterns, previously described in literature for short lasting records, was confirmed in this 24-h study. The medium-voltage continuous EEG pattern (pattern “3”) was less represented approaching term age, in coincidence with the appearance of the two low-voltage continuous patterns (“1” and “2”), which are also related to active sleep and wakefulness. Discontinuous pattern (“7”) was also less represented with age, but in day-time only. The percentage of time occupied by this pattern, related to quiet sleep, was significantly higher during day-time hours, than at night

Activity patterns assessed throughout 24-hour recordings in preterm and near term infants

The motility of 10 low-risk infants, aged between 34 and 40 weeks of postmenstrual age, has been continuously recorded for 24 h. Four codes were distinguished: code 1 (absence of motility or occasional occurrence of startles), code 2 (presence of small general or isolated body movements, startles, smiles, grimaces, and other facial activity), code 3 (forceful and prolonged general movements, startles, and stretches), code 4 (vigorous and abrupt general body movements accompanied by crying). Changes with age concern mainly the increase of the duration of code I (quiescence) episodes. Confrontation between day and night showed higher levels of motility during the night than during the day. The last weeks before term represent a time for increase in the ability to sustain a quiet behavior and to reorganize day-night motility distribution. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc