[Developmental characteristics of topographic EEG in the newborn using an autoregressive model].

Using an autoregressive topographic mapping system, developmental changes in the total power of EEG in quiet and active sleep were studied in 23 normal premature infants aged from 34 to 40 weeks of postconceptional age. Pattern discrimination of topographic EEG between both sleep stages was also made. Tracé alternant patterns in quiet sleep and low voltage irregular patterns in active sleep were analyzed. Topographic maps of one segment (10.24 sec) and 10 segments of EEG showed small peaks in the frontal region and large peaks in the occipital region during both sleep stages, with the total power in quiet sleep exceeding that in active sleep. Total power decreased with increasing postconceptional age. In the pattern discrimination of topographic EEG between both sleep stages, significant differences were noted mainly in the frontal and occipital regions. It was concluded that topographic mapping of EEG disclosed spatial differences in EEG development in the newborn.