[Spontaneous behavior and bioelectric activity as indicators of brain development in premature infants. A polygraphic study].

Assessment of neural integrity and developmental level of brain functions in preterm infants are essential parts of perinatal intensive care. Special techniques are needed to account for age-specific characteristics and rapid developmental changes of the preterm infant's functional repertoire during the first postnatal weeks. For the evaluation of at-risk infants with pre-, peri- and postnatal complications a well-substantiated knowledge of the developmental course in otherwise "healthy" preterms is a prerequisite. EEG--and behavioural development from 8 weeks before till 5 weeks after term, studied in a carefully selected group of 14 "low risk" preterm infants are described. Respective data from a group of "high risk" infants served to indicate possible deviations in developmental courses. EEG--and behavioural state profiles, bioelectrical age and a newly developed score of polygraphic optimality are presented as measures of brain function for clinical use. The described methods also constitute a useful complement to the neurological examination.