Neonatal Encephalopathy, Unspecified

In this study we want to assess how a newly developed software device called CergenX Wave compares to the modified Sarnat examination, performed by the neonatology team . The Wave software algorithm (which is a set of rules used by the computer) analyses EEG activity, using four electrodes placed on the neonate's scalp. A portable EEG machine records the EEG activity and a tablet will send this information to the cloud where the device analyses the data, as shown in the figure below. The EEG activity the Wave device evaluates will not be available to either the research or clinical team during the investigation but once the recording is completed the device will display a code on screen for the research team to confirm completion. The results will not be visible to either the researchers or the clinical team therefore will not in any way influence the care of the neonate. This is a regulated observational investigation to compare how the software performs against the current standard of care, a standardised neurological examination.

The aim of our study is to investigate changes of brain perfusion and elasticity in neonates during the time that a neonate is adapting to live outside the womb and during diseases that are suspected to affect neonatal brain perfusion. We use contrast enhanced ultrasound (sulphur hexafluoride) and ultrasound-assisted elastography to evaluate the state of brain perfusion. We will study neonates recruited from the Neonatal Units of Turku University Hospital.