The field of neonatology has changed
dramatically over the past 25 years, contributing
to a steady decline in the mortality
and morbidity of smaller low
birth-weight infants.1,2
Despite advanced
technology, however, neonatal
neurological deficits still occur.3,4
The
ability to assess neonatal brain function
and, thereby, to predict neurological
deficits remains rudimentary. Multiple
risk factors associated with neurological
impairment have been identified, but no
method exists to determine whether a
specific perinatal event has actually resulted
in irreversible brain damage.5,6
Cranial sonography performed at various
times during the neonatal course
has been shown to demonstrate structural
abnormalities such as periventricular
leukomalacia or cystic changes,7
but the predictive significance of these
findings in terms of irreversible injury is
still uncertain.