Patricia Navas-Sánchez’s research while affiliated with University of Malaga and other places

Background Abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG) results have been reported in a high percentage of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of EEG abnormalities in a clinical population of pre-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the differences in terms of the following phenotypic characteristics: adaptive behavior, executive functioning, severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder core symptoms, and comorbidity symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 69 children who attended the Autism Spectrum Disorder early diagnosis program with electroencephalography and clinical diagnosis was performed. A battery of questionnaires was also made to parents to evaluate emotions, behavior, and functional skills for daily living. Results Out of 69 pre-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, twenty nine (42%) had abnormalities in electroencephalography results. The group with abnormal epileptiform electroencephalography exhibited more impairment in executive functioning and social-relationship coexisting symptoms. Conclusions The presence of an abnormal epileptiform electroencephalography in pre-school children with ASD already suggests a worse development in clinical features.

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the main causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. We developed a model that has diagnostic and prognostic value in predicting the neurodevelopmental outcomes in newborns with HIE. HIE staging allows us to start therapeutic interventions early in newborns with suspected encephalopathy. Methods: This was a retrospective study in a cohort of 58 full-term neonates with clinical suspicion of HIE. We assessed electroclinical variables at birth [etiology of hypoxia, neonatal seizures, HIE stages based on Sarnat criteria, use of therapeutic hypothermia, neuroimaging tests and electroencephalography (EEG) findings] and two years of follow up (EEG findings, development of epilepsy, the presence of cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, language problems, visual or hearing disturbances, and cerebral palsy). Results: There was a high electro-clinical correlation to severe HIE (88.8%) and moderate HIE (50%). There was a considerable proportion of patients affected by mild HIE, based on clinical examination, who presented with an abnormal EEG (32.3%). There is a relationship between the onset of neonatal seizures, epilepsy, and severe HIE diagnosed with EEG (88.9%). A higher percentage of patients with moderate and severe HIE, based on EEG findings, present abnormal results in cranial ultrasound and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (62.5%). At two years of age, functional neurodevelopment disturbances were observed most frequently in patients affected with severe and moderate HIE based on EEG. Conclusions: This study shows a model with diagnostic and prognostic value in predicting newborns' neurodevelopmental outcomes with suspected HIE. This knowledge allows us to assess the role of performing serial EEG in patients with suspected HIE and the relevance of EEG findings in the prognosis of neurodevelopmental disorders.