microEEG for Neonatal Apnea, Bradycardia and Desaturation

Most preterm infants have episodes of apnea (cessation of breathing), bradycardia (low heart rate), and desaturations (low levels of oxygen in the blood) (ABD events). The resolution of ABD episodes depends to a large extent on the maturation of the central nervous system (CNS). The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a reliable and noninvasive tool for recording the electrical activity of the CNS. The relationship between ABD events and cerebral electrical activity has not been well investigated. The investigators seek to examine the relationship between EEG findings and the resolution of ABD events in the developing premature infant. To investigate this relationship and obtain findings which are relevant to clinical care, a variety of obstacles need to be overcome. Among these obstacles is the high cost of standard EEG machines, inability of most standard machines to operate in electrically-noisy environments such as the NICU, and the absence of full-time coverage neurologists for prompt EEG interpretation. The investigators seek to determine the feasibility of obtaining an artifact-free EEG in the NICU with accurate detection of background rhythm abnormalities. The investigators will utilize an existing digital wireless telemetry unit, the "microEEG" for the NICU for this purpose. The microEEG device is specifically designed to overcome obstacles to standard EEG recording. To address the shortage of trained pediatric neurophysiologists, the investigators will investigate the feasibility of a case management system for centralized EEG interpretation using off-site neurologists. Finally, the investigators will examine the inter-rater reliability of EEG interpretation in the developing premature infant. This will allow the development of consensus guidelines for EEG interpretations.