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Introduction: Preterm birth and cerebral hemorrhage have adverse effects on brain development. Alterations in regional brain size on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be assessed using 2D biometrical analysis, an easily applicable technique showing good correlation with 3D brain volumes. Methods: This retrospective study included 74 preterm neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) born +0 weeks of gestation between 2011 and 2019. Cerebral MRI was performed at term-equivalent age, and 2D measurement techniques were used for biometrical analysis and compared to normative data of two control groups. Finally, the correlation and association of brain parameters and patterns of impaired brain growth and outcome at 2 and 3 years of age were evaluated. Results: Interhemispheric distance (IHD), the 3rd ventricle, and lateral ventricles presented larger, in contrast, cerebral biparietal width (cBPW), fronto-occipital diameter (FOD), and the length of the corpus callosum were smaller in IVH patients compared to respective controls. The strongest correlations with outcome were observed for the parameters FOD, anteroposterior diameter of the vermis, transverse cerebellar diameter (tCD), corpus callosum, 3rd ventricle, and left ventricular index. Patients with the small FOD, small BPW, and increased IHD pattern reached overall lower outcome scores at follow-up. Discussion: Preterm neonates with IVH showed reduced total brain sizes and enlarged pericerebral spaces compared to neurologically healthy controls. Biometric analysis revealed that several 2D brain parameters as well as different patterns of impaired brain growth were associated with neurodevelopmental impairment in early childhood. These findings may support prediction of long-term outcome and parental counseling in patients with IVH.

Aim To create a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based scoring system specific to neonates born preterm with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), which could serve as a reliable prognostic indicator for later development and might allow for improved outcome prediction, individually-tailored parental counselling, and clinical decision-making. Method This retrospective, two-center observational cohort study included 103 infants born preterm with IVH (61 males, 42 females; median gestational age 26wks 6d), born between 2000 and 2016. Term-equivalent MRI was evaluated using a novel scoring system consisting of 11 items. A total MRI score was calculated and correlated with neurodevelopment between 2 years and 3 years of age. Prediction models for outcome were defined. Results The proposed MRI scoring system showed high correlation and strong predictive ability with regard to later cognitive and motor outcome. The prediction models were translated into easy-to-use tables, allowing developmental risk assessment. Interpretation The proposed MRI-based scoring system was created especially for infants born preterm with IVH and enables a comprehensive assessment of important brain areas as well as potential additional abnormalities commonly associated with IVH. Thus, it better represents the severity of brain damage when compared with the conventional IVH classification. Our scoring system should provide clinicians with valuable information, to optimize parental counselling and clinical decision-making.

Background and purpose To determine whether neurofilament light chain (NfL), a promising serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker of neuroaxonal damage, predicts functional outcome in preterm infants with neonatal brain injury. Methods Our prospective observational study used a sensitive single-molecule array assay to measure serum and CSF NfL concentrations in preterm infants with moderate to severe peri/intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH). We determined temporal serum and CSF NfL profiles from the initial diagnosis of PIVH until term-equivalent age and their association with clinical and neurodevelopmental outcome until 2 years of age assessed by Bayley Scales of Infant Development (3rd edition). We fitted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to determine risk factors for poor motor and cognitive development. Results The study included 48 infants born at n = 25)-but not post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus requiring external ventricular drainage (n = 29) nor any other impairment-was independently associated with sNfL. Multivariate logistic regression models identified sNfL as an independent predictor of poor motor outcome or death at 1 and 2 years. Conclusions Serum neurofilament light chain dynamics in the first weeks of life predict motor outcome in preterm infants with PIVH.

Seizures in the neonatal period are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Bedside amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) has facilitated the detection of electrographic seizures; however, whether these seizures should be treated remains uncertain.To determine if the active management of electrographic and clinical seizures in encephalopathic term or near-term neonates improves survival free of severe disability at 2 years of age compared with only treating clinically detected seizures.This randomized clinical trial was conducted in tertiary newborn intensive care units recruited from 2012 to 2016 and followed up until 2 years of age. Participants included neonates with encephalopathy at 35 weeks' gestation or more and younger than 48 hours old. Data analysis was completed in April 2021.Randomization was to an electrographic seizure group (ESG) in which seizures detected on aEEG were treated in addition to clinical seizures or a clinical seizure group (CSG) in which only seizures detected clinically were treated.Primary outcome was death or severe disability at 2 years, defined as scores in any developmental domain more than 2 SD below the Australian mean assessed with Bayley Scales of Neonate and Toddler Development, 3rd ed (BSID-III), or the presence of cerebral palsy, blindness, or deafness. Secondary outcomes included magnetic resonance imaging brain injury score at 5 to 14 days, time to full suck feeds, and individual domain scores on BSID-III at 2 years.Of 212 randomized neonates, the mean (SD) gestational age was 39.2 (1.7) weeks and 122 (58%) were male; 152 (72%) had moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and 147 (84%) had electrographic seizures. A total of 86 neonates were included in the ESG group and 86 were included in the CSG group. Ten of 86 (9%) neonates in the ESG and 4 of 86 (4%) in the CSG died before the 2-year assessment. The odds of the primary outcome were not significantly different in the ESG group compared with the CSG group (ESG, 38 of 86 [44%] vs CSG, 27 of 86 [31%]; odds ratio [OR], 1.83; 95% CI, 0.96 to 3.49; P = .14). There was also no significant difference in those with HIE (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.84 to 3.73; P = .26). There was evidence that cognitive outcomes were worse in the ESG (mean [SD] scores, ESG: 97.4 [17.7] vs CSG: 103.8 [17.3]; mean difference, -6.5 [95% CI, -1.2 to -11.8]; P = .01). There was little evidence of a difference in secondary outcomes, including time to suck feeds, seizure burden, or brain injury score.Treating electrographic and clinical seizures with currently used anticonvulsants did not significantly reduce the rate of death or disability at 2 years in a heterogeneous group of neonates with seizures.http://anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12611000327987.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of neonatal exposure to pain, stress, opiate administration alone, as well as opiate administration prior to a painful procedure on neuronal cell death, motor, and behavioral outcomes in rodents. In total, 36 studies investigating the effect of pain (n = 18), stress (n = 15), opiate administration (n = 13), as well as opiate administration prior to a painful event (n = 7) in rodents were included in our meta-analysis. The results showed a large effect of pain (g = 1.37, 95% CI 1.00-1.74, p .001) on neuronal cell death. Moreover, higher number of neonatal pain events were significantly associated with increased neuronal cell death, increased anxiety (b = -1.18, SE = 0.43, p = .006), and depressant-like behavior (b = 1.74, SE = 0.51, p = .027) in rodents. Both opiates and pain had no impact on motor function (g = 0.26, 95% CI 0.18-0.70, p = .248).

Background: Few data have been published on the combined use of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for outcome prediction in neonates cooled for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the predictive values and the most powerful predictive combinations of single aEEG and NIRS parameters and the respective cut-off values with regard to short-term outcomes in HIE II. Methods: aEEG and NIRS were prospectively studied at the Medical University of Vienna in the first 102 h of life with regard to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-two neonates diagnosed with HIE II treated with hypothermia were investigated. The measurement period was divided into 6-h epochs. According to MRI, 2 outcome groups were defined and predictive values of aEEG parameters, regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2), and the additional value of both methods combined were studied. Receiver operating curves (ROC) were obtained and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated. ROC were then used to detect the optimal cut-off points, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values. Results: At all time epochs, combined parameter scores were more predictive than single parameter scores. The highest AUC were observed between 18 and 60 h of cooling for the aEEG summation score (0.72-0.84) and for (background pattern + seizures) × rScO2 (0.79-0.85). At 42-60 h sensitivity was similar between those 2 scores (87.5-90.0%), but the addition of NIRS to aEEG led to an increase in specificity (from 52.4-59.1% to 72.7-90.5%). Conclusions: In HIE II, aEEG and NIRS are important predictors of short-term outcome. The combination of both methods improves prognostication. The highest predictive abilities were observed between 18 and 60 h of cooling.

Background: The lower margin amplitude (LMA) of the amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) is suppressed in neonates during deep sedation, a feature that is attributed to the bispectral index (BIS) in adults. Objective: We compare the BIS and the LMA of the aEEG in neonates. Methods: Thirty neurologically healthy neonates between 37 and 44 weeks postmenstrual age were included in this study. Twenty patients received sedoanalgesic therapy for various reasons. BIS and aEEG recordings were performed simultaneously. The digital data were imported in the numerical software environment Matlab®. The LMA of the aEEG was computed on a 1-min time scale and synchronized with the BIS data. The correlation between the time-dependent variables BIS and LMA was estimated using the Spearman rank correlation index. Results: The median correlation between BIS and LMA was 0.3. Inclusion of recordings of high signal quality only into analysis improved the median correlation index to 0.6. Conclusions: We found a light-to-moderate correlation between BIS and LMA in our study cohort and a good correlation in the subgroup with high signal quality.

SummaryBackground Tramadol is used following neonatal cardiac and general surgery. However, its ability to opioid-spare or facilitate earlier extubation in postoperative neonates is unquantified. Objective This randomized placebo-controlled trial aimed to assess whether tramadol's addition to standard analgesia resulted in earlier extubation or reduced analgesic/sedative requirements in postsurgical neonates. Methods Neonates born ≥32 weeks postmenstrual age received either tramadol [T] 2 mg·kg−1 or placebo [P] 6-hourly for up to 5 days postthoracoabdominal surgery in addition to morphine (commenced at 20 mcg·kg−1·h−1) and 6-hourly IV acetaminophen. Time to extubation, morphine and midazolam amounts, hourly pain scores, and seizure activity were compared using an intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. Results Seventy-one neonates participated. Median survival time to extubation was similar between the groups (T 67 h [95% CI 51, 84] vs P 52 h [95%CI 43, 65]; P = 0.4), and similar numbers were extubated by 96 h (T 69% vs P 77%; difference −8%, 95%CI −28, 13%). Morphine and midazolam exposure was similar, with low pain scores in both groups (mean percentage of time with a pain score >5/20 during the 5 days: T 13% vs P 11%, difference in means 2.8 [95% CI −1.8, 7.6], P = 0.20). Most participants had normal cranial ultrasounds (T 86% vs P 86%); no seizures occurred clinically or electroencephalographically. Conclusion Tramadol's addition to standard analgesia in this small group of postsurgical neonates did not appear to have any positive effect on time to extubation, morphine or midazolam exposure, or pain scores. This questions the benefit of tramadol for postsurgical neonates. Importantly, no seizures occurred in these ill neonates who may potentially be at greater risk of tramadol toxicity compared with adults.

Aim The aim of this study was to measure the brain activity of preterm infants treated with caffeine citrate and doxapram for preterm apnoea, using amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG), to identify any adverse effects on cerebral function. Methods We analysed the aEEG tracings of 13 preterm infants

Aim To investigate gender-related differences in amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) associated with neurodevelopmental outcome at 3 years. Methods Preterms born

Background: Filter and peak detection algorithms implemented in amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) systems are not standardized. New aEEG systems are continuously enriching the market and clinicians are faced with different aEEG devices whose tracings may vary. Objectives: The aim of this work was to determine the role of different aEEG systems on quantitative measurements of the aEEG. Methods: In this observational study, a single-channel aEEG recording (Olympic CFM 6000) with corresponding EEG signal was obtained from 32 infants at a gestational age of 36-44 weeks. The signals were split into 334 episodes of 4 h. New aEEG tracings were generated using the NicoletOne Reader Software and aEEG emulations with varying filter profiles and peak detection settings. The aEEG amplitude margins and automated annotation of continuous normal voltage (CNV) were compared. Results: The output of the Olympic and the NicoletOne systems are very similar but not identical; the Spearman rank correlations of the aEEG amplitude margins exceeded 0.9 and the differences in the lower and upper amplitude margins were 1.55 μV (SD 1.47) and -2.12 μV (SD 1.44) on average (n = 309), respectively. The aEEG emulation showed that the differences between the output of the Olympic and the NicoletOne system could be primarily ascribed to the peak detection algorithm. The differences in output can affect automated analyses with agreement rates in CNV detection of 76% (n = 32, positive) and 92% (n = 32, negative) when comparing the Olympic to the NicoletOne outputs. Conclusions: Commercial aEEG systems have similar but not identical outputs. Care is advised when interpreting automated aEEG classifications across different devices.

Background: In Austria, a nationally mandated prenatal serological congenital toxoplasmosis screening program was introduced in 1974 in response to a high incidence of 7.8 per 1,000 infected infants. Maternal prenatal recognition of acute gestational infection and early treatment of infants with congenital infection are important because prenatal and accurate postnatal antibiotic therapy improves the outcomes of infected infants. Objective: To determine the impact of additional maternal and/or fetal cord blood serology at birth on improving current prenatal maternal screening in detecting congenital toxoplasmosis. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 5,545 consecutive women were included over a 19-month period. Routine prenatal maternal toxoplasmosis serology screening was performed along with additional cord blood serology screening at delivery. Fetal cord blood serology included Sabin-Feldman dye and IgM immunosorbent agglutination assay testing. Results: Based on the initial prenatal maternal screening serology results, there was evidence of a prior chronic infection manifest in 1,830 (33.0%) women and 3,708 (66.9%) were not infected. Seven (0.13%) were diagnosed with acute toxoplasma infection based on seroconversion. Of these, 4 manifested transmission, and 3 did not. Of the seven infected women, routine prenatal maternal screening identified acute infection in only 2 of the women, 1 of whom had an infected fetus with abnormal prenatal ultrasound. Fetal cord blood serology screening identified an additional 5 women, 3 with infected fetuses. Conclusions: Identification of Toxoplasma gondii infection by prenatal maternal serological testing is significantly improved by the addition of maternal and/or fetal serological testing at birth.

Despite a decreasing incidence, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) remains a point of major concern in neonatology due to its association to adverse neurodevelopmental outcome (NDO). Aim of this study was to compare outcome of preterm infants with different grades of IVH born below 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) with outcome of controls without IVH and to especially evaluate the influence of low grade IVH on NDO.Four hundred seventy-one preterm infants with a GA below 32 weeks were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between 1994 and 2005 and included into analysis.IVH patients showed significantly lower mean psychomotor and mental developmental indices and a significantly higher percentage of cerebral palsy and visual impairment. Results of IVH patients born below 28 weeks of GA were significantly worse than results of IVH patients born at or above 28 weeks of GA. In all parameters, an increase of abnormal results with increasing grade of IVH could be observed; even patients with low-grade IVH (grades I and II) showed higher percentages of impairment compared to controls without any IVH.Even low-grade IVH has an significant impact on neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm patients and gestational age influences the impact of intraventricular hemorrhage on neurodevelopmental outcome.

Background Perioperative brain injury is common in infants undergoing cardiac surgery. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) provides real-time neurologic monitoring and can identify seizures and abnormalities of background cerebral activity. We aimed to determine the incidence of perioperative electrical seizures, and to establish the background pattern of aEEG, in neonates undergoing Norwood-type palliations for complex congenital heart disease in relation to outcome at 2 years. Methods Thirty-nine full-term neonates undergoing Norwood-type operations underwent aEEG monitoring before and during surgery and for 72 hours postoperatively. The perfusion strategy included full-flow moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with antegrade cerebral perfusion. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography tracings were reviewed for seizure activity and background pattern. Survivors underwent neurodevelopmental outcome assessment using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (3rd edition) at 2 years of age. Results Thirteen (33%) infants had electrical seizures, including 9 with intraoperative seizures and 7 with postoperative seizures. Seizures were associated with significantly increased mortality, but not with neurodevelopmental impairment in survivors. Delay in recovery of the aEEG background beyond 48 hours was also associated with increased mortality and worse motor development. Conclusions Perioperative seizures were common in this cohort. Intraoperative seizures predominantly affected the left hemisphere during antegrade cerebral perfusion. Delayed recovery in aEEG background was associated with increased risk of early mortality and worse motor development. Ongoing monitoring is essential to determine the longer-term significance of these findings.

Background: Studies of children who undergo major non-cardiac surgery in the neonatal period are needed so that subsequent abnormal neurodevelopment can be better understood. Objective:It was the aim of our study to describe the influence of analgesic and sedative medication on the predominant background pattern and the development of sleep-wake cycling (SWC), as measured on amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG), in newborn infants born ≥32 weeks’ gestation after major non-cardiac surgery. Methods:This prospective study included infants ≥32+0 weeks’ gestation admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne who were undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. Data on morphine and midazolam given after surgery were recorded and the BrainZ Monitor was applied post-operatively. The maximum levels of morphine and midazolam were assessed as predictors of time to aEEG outcomes using linear regression. Results: Forty-seven eligible infants were included. Emergence of SWC was observed at a mean of 13 h after surgery. The maximum dose of morphine or midazolam was not predictive of time to either any or developed SWC. Conclusions: Despite high doses of morphine and midazolam, SWC was observed on aEEG in neonates ≥32 weeks’ gestational age soon after major non-cardiac surgery. The aEEG background pattern was not affected by the maximum dose of either morphine or midazolam.

Beim Ubergang vom intrauterinen zum neonatalen Leben mussen 3–6% aller Neugeborenen unterstutzt werden. Damit stellt die neonatale Erstversorgung eine der haufigsten medizinischen Interventionen dar. Mittels eines Fragebogens wurden das verwendete Equipment und das dazugehorige Verwendungsprotokoll bei der Erstversorgung von Neugeborenen in Osterreich erhoben und mit den im Jahr 2005 publizierten Richtlinien des European Resuscitation Council verglichen. Alle 20 kontaktierten Abteilungen beantworteten den Fragebogen. Erfragt wurden die Verwendung von Pulsoxymetrie, Beatmungsbeutel („self-inflating“/“flow-inflating“/“T-piece device“), CO2-Detektor zur Tubuslagekontrolle, Sauerstoffblender, Larynxmaske, oralem Airway, Klarsichtfolie zur Verhinderung des Warmeverlusts bei der Erstversorgung von Fruhgeborenen unter 28 Schwangerschaftswochen sowie die initiale Sauerstoffkonzentration bei der Erstversorgung von Reifgeborenen. Letztere variierte zwischen 21% und 100%. Bei 17 Abteilungen (85%) kamen Sauerstoffblender, bei den ubrigen Flowmeter zur Anwendung. Alle 20 Abteilungen (100%) verwendeten Pulsoxymetrie, 9 (45%) „self-inflating-bags“, 9 (45%) „T-piece devices“ und 2 beide Beatmungshilfen. Einen oralen Airway bei schwieriger Maskenbeatmung nutzten 10 Abteilungen (50%), eine Larynxmaske als Alternative zur Intubation 8 (40%) und einen CO2-Detektor zur Tubuslagekontrolle 6 (30%). Klarsichtfolien zur Verhinderung des Warmeverlusts wurden in 11 Abteilungen (55%) eingesetzt. Dem internationalen Trend entsprechend zeigte sich auch in Osterreich eine grose Variationsbreite des verwendeten Equipments. Dies reflektiert die allgemein ungenugende Datenlage zur Erstversorgung von Neugeborenen.

Aim: The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of peri-/intraventricular haemorrhage (PIVH) grades I–IV on amplitude-integrated electroencephalographic (aEEG) activity in preterm infants

Serratia are known to be a possible cause of severe cerebral infections in neonates. We describe imaging of three premature infants infected with Serratia marcescens. Born in the 31( st), 25( th) and 28( th) weeks of gestation, they presented with signs of septicaemia on postnatal days 9, 24 and 32. Initial sonography showed cysts in the first child, two areas with anechoic centre and echogenic rim in the second, and several echogenic areas in the third. Lesions were seen on CT, of low density in two cases and minimally increased density in the third. MRI in the first patient showed cysts with incomplete contrast enhancement of the lesions, while patient 2 showed five ring-enhancing fluid-containing lesions with thick walls. In the third patient two abscesses with contrast enhancement and several high-signal spots were seen. We discuss the pathophysiology of the lesions and the impact of the various imaging methods.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is the most common cause of brain lesions in preterm infants. Among infants with IVH about 35% develop posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PPH) which may lead to secondary injury. Therapeutic interventions to reduce the increased intracranial pressure are invasive and carry a high risk of complications. Amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) allows continuous neurophysiological surveillance and may help in defining the optimal timing for intervention in infants with progressive PHH. In this report we show, for the first time, a change in aEEG activity in two preterm infants with PHH.Cerebral activity was continuously monitored by aEEG provided by the Cerebral Function Monitor (Lectromed, UK) in two preterm infants with PPH.With increasing ventricular width, aEEG showed an increased discontinuity without distinguishable sleep-wake cycling in both infants. One infant showed an abrupt onset of a nearly isoelectric pattern without any change in clinical condition. Clinical signs of increased intracranial pressure developed 6-12 h later in both children. In one patient, aEEG activity returned to normal after successful shunting and reduction of intracranial pressure.Continuous neurophysiological monitoring by aEEG may be of value in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of preterm infants with progressive PHH.

Objective Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. There is a well known correlation between IVH grade and outcome. However, only a few studies take into account the site of the lesion. The aim of the present study was to create a tool which could serve as a prognostic indicator with regard to the severity of brain damage and outcome by assessing the functional areas affected by the bleeding. Methods Infants with grade III IVH with and without parenchymal involvement who had MRI scans obtained and assessment of neurodevelopmental outcome were included into this analysis. MRIs were analyzed by the computation of a white matter (WMS), grey matter (GMS) and a combined MRI score (cS) which included the following functional areas and pathologies: WMS: Pyramidal tract, Corpus callosum, Radiatio optica and Crossroad. GMS: Gyrus precentralis and postcentralis, Hippocampus and Basal ganglia. cS was calculated by the sum of WMS and GMS. Further points were added in the presence of periventricular leukomalacia, hydrocephalus and for lesions in the Cerebellum. Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated at 1 and 2 years corrected age via Bayley Scales of Infant development and classified into 4 severity groups. Results Neonates with normal MDI and mild disability show significantly lower WMS, GMS and cS compared to infants with moderate/severe mental disability at 1 year corrected age. The same is true for PDI at 1 year corrected age for WMS, GMS and cS and 2 years corrected age for WMS and cS. Conclusion There is currently not much evidence with regard to the relevance of topography of injury when trying to predict outcome in preterm infants with IVH. The proposed score might serve as a prognostic tool with regard to the severity of brain damage and outcome in preterm infants with IVH.

In Austria, a nationally mandated prenatal serological congenital toxoplasmosis screening program was introduced in 1974 in response to a high incidence of 7.8 per 1,000 infected infants. Maternal prenatal recognition of acute gestational infection and early treatment of infants with congenital infection are important because prenatal and accurate postnatal antibiotic therapy improves the outcomes of infected infants.To determine the impact of additional maternal and/or fetal cord blood serology at birth on improving current prenatal maternal screening in detecting congenital toxoplasmosis.In this prospective observational study, 5,545 consecutive women were included over a 19-month period. Routine prenatal maternal toxoplasmosis serology screening was performed along with additional cord blood serology screening at delivery. Fetal cord blood serology included Sabin-Feldman dye and IgM immunosorbent agglutination assay testing.Based on the initial prenatal maternal screening serology results, there was evidence of a prior chronic infection manifest in 1,830 (33.0%) women and 3,708 (66.9%) were not infected. Seven (0.13%) were diagnosed with acute toxoplasma infection based on seroconversion. Of these, 4 manifested transmission, and 3 did not. Of the seven infected women, routine prenatal maternal screening identified acute infection in only 2 of the women, 1 of whom had an infected fetus with abnormal prenatal ultrasound. Fetal cord blood serology screening identified an additional 5 women, 3 with infected fetuses.Identification of Toxoplasma gondii infection by prenatal maternal serological testing is significantly improved by the addition of maternal and/or fetal serological testing at birth.

Music is increasingly being used in neonatal intensive care units to aid neurodevelopmental care. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the possible effects of music on quiet sleep (QS) in neurologically healthy newborns.Twenty newborns ≥32 weeks' gestational age admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne for specialist consultation were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Ten subjects were exposed to music (Music for Dreaming, (Sound Impressions, Pty. Ltd.) using a CD player (50-55 decibel A). Amplitude-integrated EEG was recorded on the BrainZ Monitor (BRM2, Version 8.0, Natus). Background pattern, presence and quality of sleep-wake cycles (SWC) were assessed before and after exposure to music.All 20 subjects showed continuous background patterns with developing SWC. Whereas no subject in the control group showed differences in their QS and eight patients in the intervention group showed lower minimum amplitudes of their QS after music exposure. Also, the length of QS and interval between QS epochs became progressively longer in all ten subjects of the intervention group.We report a trend to more mature SWC in subjects who were exposed to music when compared to controls suggesting that there might be a small effect of music on quiet sleep in newborns.

Objective Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) still is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) is reliable for prediction of outcome in asphyxiated neonates. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers the possibility to continuously monitor cerebral oxygen saturation. Only few data have been published on the combined use of NIRS and aEEG in neonates cooled for HIE. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between continuous aEEG and NIRS during the first days of life in HIE. Methods aEEG: Brain function was measured continuously immediately after the hypoxic event, during hypothermia, until the end of rewarming using a Olympic 6000 (Natus©). aEEG tracings were analysed for background patterns, appearance of sleep-wake cycling and the presence of seizure activity. Furthermore, a combined aEEG-score was calculated for the timeperiod before, during and after hypothermia. NIRS: Patients were monitored using NIRS (INVOS System by Covidien©) for the mentioned time period. Changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2) were measured. Fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) was calculated for the entire duration of the measurement in order to investigate the balance between oxygen delivery and oxygen supply. Results A significant correlation coefficient (CorrC) was found between SWZ and rcSO2 post cooling (CorrC: 0.78) as well as FTOE during (CorrC: 0.69) and post cooling (CorrC: 0.95). Furthermore, a significant CorrC was found between the total aEEG score and rcSO2 post cooling (CorrC: 0.58) as well as FTOE during (CorrC: 0.61) and post cooling (CorrC: 0.79). Conclusion Our data show a significant correlation between continuous aEEG monitoring, which is a valuable and reliable method for prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome in neonates with HIE, and NIRS measurements. Therefore, we suggest that NIRS can serve as an additional prognostic tool in HIE.

Objective The amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) is becoming more important to monitor brain activity in premature infants. Studies have shown that early aEEGs correlate with later neurodevelopmental outcome. Various scoring systems for the assessment of aEEGs are being used, which complicates the comparison of published data. The aim of our study was to compare two scoring systems for aEEG and correlate with the neurodevelopmental outcome. Methods 114 preterm infants (gestational age (GA) Results Both total scores (p Conclusion Both scoring systems allow a simple classification of aEEGs. The Burdjalov score shows specific differences for the GA, while the aEEG sum score correlates better with the later outcome.

Objective The amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) is becoming more important to monitor brain activity in premature infants. Studies have shown that early aEEGs correlate with later neurodevelopmental outcome. Various scoring systems and missing gestational age related reference values for the aEEGs complicate the comparison of published data. The aim of our study was to establish gestational age related reference values for the aEEGs using the Burdjalov score in preterm infants Methods 114 preterm infants (gestational age (GA) Results The analysis of aEEGs showed increasing Total Burdjalov Scores at higher GA. The subscores (continuity (Co), cyclicity (Cy), amplitude of lower border (LB) and bandwidth span and amplitude of lower border (B)) also increased with increasing GA. Conclusion Gestational age related reference values for the Burdjalov Score were determined in preterm infants