Background: Prediction of the severity of HIE very soon after birth asphyxia would aid clinical management and allow selection of infants for specific neuroprotective therapies. Methods: We performed continuous 2 channel EEG in 18 asphyxiated fullterm infants and 12 controls within 8 hours of birth. The EEG was assessed by a researcher, who was unaware of the clinical history, according to previously defined criteria and compared to the maximum severity of HIE. The EEG was considered abnormal if there was discontinuity or absence of sleep wake cycles or seizure activity. Results: Chi square 25.35, p<0.001. Conclusion: This data adds to the evidence that electrophysiological changes soon after asphyxia can predict outcome. Table

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