Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography Signals, Abnormal General Movements and Later Motor Outcome in Preterm Infants

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG), general movement assessment (GMA) and later motor outcome in preterm infants. Methods: This retrospective study analysed data from 274 very preterm infants born at Innsbruck Medical University Hospital. aEEG was performed within 72 h of birth and weekly for the first month. GMA was conducted at 34, 40 and 52 weeks postmenstrual age. Motor outcome was assessed at 2 years. Statistical analyses included comparative tests, multivariate logistic regression and ROC curves. Results: Significant differences in aEEG scores were observed between infants with normal and abnormal GMs. After adjusting for neonatal characteristics, only day 1 aEEG remained significantly associated with general movements (GMs) at term and post-term. At 2 years, psychomotor outcome was significantly delayed in infants with abnormal GMA at term and post-term. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of integrating aEEG and GMA in preterm infants. Our findings should be interpreted as a proof-of-concept, illustrating the feasibility of integrating aEEG with GMA for a comprehensive evaluation of early neurodevelopment. Future research should investigate potential synergistic effects of diagnostic tools to identify infants at risk for neurological injury and developmental delay with the aim to assess the effect of early interventions.