Differences in the dynamics of frontal sharp transients in normal and hypoglycemic newborns.
OBJECTIVE
This study focuses on the characteristics of frontal sharp transients (FST), a normal variant of neonatal EEG, in newborns with hypoglycemia.


METHODS
The EEG from 20 newborns with symptomatic hypoglycemia were compared with a control group of normal newborns matched by conceptional age. The dynamics of these transients were evaluated concerning sleep stages. The density, type and bilateral synchrony of FST were also calculated. The results were compared in the two groups by Student's t test.


RESULTS
When compared with controls, hypoglycemic newborns have increased density of frontal sharp transients in all sleep stages but less bilateral synchrony (P<0.05). FST density was even higher in small for gestational age newborns.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggests that normal patterns of neonatal EEG as FST can be influenced by systemic disturbances.
Nunes
M L
ML
Division of Neurology, Hospital São Lucas, School of Medicine, Pontifícia, Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil. magdalahorgue@conex.com.br
Penela
M M
MM
da Costa
J C
JC
D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D017286:Polysomnography; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000502:physiology