EEG Frequency Spectrum Characteristics of Sleep States in Full-Term and Preterm Infants1

V. Havlicek; R. Childiaeva; V. Chernick

doi:10.1055/s-0028-1091648

Neuropädiatrie, Table of Contents

Neuropediatrics 1975; 6(1): 24-40
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1091648

Original article

EEG Frequency Spectrum Characteristics of Sleep States in Full-Term and Preterm Infants¹

V. Havlicek² , R. Childiaeva³ , V. Chernick³

²Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
³Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba

1This work was supported by the Department of Health and Social Development of Canada and the Children's Hospital of Winnipeg Research Foundation, Inc. and the Mrs. James A. Richardson Foundation, Inc.

Abstract

Spectral analysis of the EEG using fast Fourier transform in preterm and full-term infants revealed significant maturational changes in all three stages of sleep. In quiet sleep full-term infants differed from preterm babies (< 37 weeks gestation) by significantly higher power in delta and theta frequencies (1.6—7.5 Hz). During indeterminate sleep the slowest frequencies (0.1—1.5 Hz) showed significantly less power, while power of faster frequencies (1.6—7.5 Hz) was significantly greater in full-term infants. REM sleep differed in slowest (0.1—1.5 Hz) and fastest (17.5—25 Hz) frequency bands, showing significantly lower power in the former and significantly higher in the latter in full-term infants. From the diagnostic point of view the most important maturational EEG changes were found by computing the REM sleep-quiet frequency spectrum difference. This showed significantly higher power during quiet sleep over a wide range of frequencies (0.1—12.5 Hz) in full-term infants, while preterm infants had an almost identical spectrum during these two stages of sleep with a significant intensity drop only in theta₂ (5.6—7.5 Hz) during REM sleep. Since these differences can be readily identified in the individual infant it is suggested that the assessment of the EEG may be useful for the early detection of delays in maturation.

Keyword

Brain maturation - EEG spectrum - sleep - full-term infants - premature infants

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