Case 7.3

A female infant was born at 25 weeks gestation and was small for gestational age (SGA). She had a prolonged course in the NICU complicated by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). At 34 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), aEEG was performed as part of a study.

What is your assessment of the background pattern at 34 weeks PMA?

An acute severe decompensation and hypotension occurred at the age of 41 weeks PMA. Infant required mechanical ventilation and IV hydrocortisone. Had multiple episodes of severe apnea and O2 desaturation. Repeat aEEG showed the following tracing:

What is your assessment of the aEEG tracing?