[Neonatal EEG trace of burst suppression. Etiological and evolutionary factors]

Rev Neurol. 2001 Sep;33(6):514-8.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction: The electroencephalographic (EEG) trace seen during the neonatal period which shows so called discharges of burst suppression, is caused by a severe disorder of cerebral electrogenesis occurring at this time.

Objective: To determine the aetiology, clinical significance and evolution of a group of newborn babies with this type of EEG trace.

Patients and methods: We made a retrospective study of fullterm babies in whom burst suppression EEG recordings had been obtained during the neonatal period.

Results: We studied 34 patients. In 14 cases the trace was associated with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; 4 with meningitis; another 4 with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (Ohtahara syndrome); 4 cases were attributed to drugs (4 with fentanyl associated in one case with phenobarbitone and in another with midazolam); 2 cases were due to early myoclonic epilepsy; 3 to multiple organ failure; one to non ketotic hyperglycinemia and another to leucinosis. In one patient the aetiology could not be determined. Seven patients died before the age of 6 months. Severe neurological sequelae were seen in all the others except for four cases (3 treated with fentanyl and one case with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy).

Conclusions: The presence of a burst suppression EEG trace in a neonate makes extensive study to determine the aetiology necessary. Although associated with a worse prognosis, those not treated with piperidine derivatives should be classified separately. Those treated with piperidine derivatives have a good prognosis.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / diagnosis*
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / drug therapy
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / etiology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Piperidines / therapeutic use
  • Prognosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Piperidines
  • piperidine