Amplitude-integrated EEG use in neonatal abstinence syndrome: a pilot study

Objective: Though central nervous system irritability is a well-established consequence of neonatal drug withdrawal, brain function in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is not well understood. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is a bedside tool used for monitoring brain activity and seizures. We describe the prevalence of abnormal aEEG background patterns in infants with NAS. Methods: In this pilot, observational study primary outcomes were aEEG findings, Finnegan scores, and length of hospital stay in NAS patients. Subjects underwent an initial aEEG and a repeat study following pharmacologic treatment. Two independent reviewers analyzed aEEGs post discharge. Results: Six out of nine infants had abnormal aEEGs demonstrating lack of sleep-wake cycling (SWC) (50%), discontinuity (41.7%), and low voltage (8.3%). Seizures were not detected. NAS scores were lower for infants with continuous aEEGs versus those whose aEEGs were not continuous (5.83 versus 9.17; p = .054). Length of stay was 7.8 ± 4.4 days in infants with continuous aEEGs versus 26 ± 10.5 days in infants without continuous aEEGs (p = .003). Conclusions: Infants exposed to opioids in utero are at increased risk for discontinuity and abnormal SWC detectable on aEEG. Infants with abnormal aEEGs are more likely to have higher NAS scores, require pharmacologic treatment and have longer lengths of stay.