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Computerized analysis of the neonatal EEG provides a measure of cerebral function in the very preterm infant. This method has enabled observation of the effects of inotropic infusions on cerebral function in 13 sick infants between 24 and 30 weeks gestation. Inotropes used included dopamine, dobutamine and nor-adrenaline, either singly or in combination as dictated by the clinicians. On commencement of inotropic therapy, no deterioration in EEG was seen and improvement was noted in only 3 of 18 occasions. Monitoring during a further 12 increases in inotropic therapy showed associated improvement in the EEG in only one of these occasions. However, on reduction of the inotropic treatment, which was no longer deemed clinically necessary, there was an associated improvement in EEG in 12 of 16 occasions monitored. The EEG improvement on reduction in inotropic therapy appeared to be related to the duration of use of inotropes and to tho duration of time normotension had been achieved. These results imply that withdrawal of inotropic therapy should perhaps be considered as soon as clinically feasible as this dolotorious effect of inotropic infusions on cerebral function may be related to enchanced cerebro-vascular sympatho-adrenal tone.