Abstract
As an indicator of brain damage in premature infants, we measured transcephalic impedance (TCZ) and serum creatine kinase BB (brain fraction-CK-BB) in 16 premature infants with gestational ages 24 to 32 weeks, all with birth weights less than 1500 grams. Both TCZ and CK-BB were measured within 24 hours and at weekly intervals. CK-BB values above 15 were considered abnormal (Becker and Menzel, 1978; Shields, 1979; Cuestas, 1980). TCZ values 2 standard deviations above normal were indicative of tissue damage from asphyxia (Ranck, 1964; Ellison, 1979), or IVH (Siddiqui, 1980). Persistently low TCZ, i.e. those under 30 ohms were considered to reflect delayed brain maturation (Ellison & Evers, 1980.)
13 infants had an elevated CK-BB during hospitalization. 10 infants had an elevated TCZ during the first postnatal week. 8 infants had both TCZ and CK-BB elevated. 4 infants had persistently low TCZ values associated with delayed maturation.
Of the 8 infants with elevation of both TCZ and CK-BB, 5 (63%) have moderate to severe neurological sequelae. 3 (37%) have mild neurological sequelae. 3 of the 4 infants with persistently low TCZ have developmental delay.
TCZ and CK-BB are accurate predictors of neurologic compromise in the preterm infant.
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Ellison, P., Borkowski, W. 1573 TRANSCEPHALIC IMPEDANCE AND SERUM CREATINE KINASE BB IN PRETERM INFANTS AS PREDICTORS OF BRAIN DAMAGE. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 705 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01590
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01590
