Impact of Macrocephaly, as an Isolated Trait, on EEG Signal as Measured by Spectral Power and Multiscale Entropy during the First Year of Life

Abstract

Macrocephaly has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders; however, it has been mainly studied in the context of pathological or high-risk populations and little is known about its impact, as an isolated trait, on brain development in general population. Electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectral density (PSD) and signal complexity have shown to be sensitive to neurodevelopment and its alterations. We aimed to investigate the impact of macrocephaly, as an isolated trait, on EEG signal as measured by PSD and multiscale entropy during the first year of life. We recorded high-density EEG resting-state activity of 74 healthy full-term infants, 50 control (26 girls), and 24 macrocephalic (12 girls) aged between 3 and 11 months. We used linear regression models to assess group and age effects on EEG PSD and signal complexity. Sex and brain volume measures, obtained via a 3D transfontanellar ultrasound, were also included into the models to evaluate their contribution. Our results showed lower PSD of the low alpha (8–10 Hz) frequency band and lower complexity in the macrocephalic group compared to the control group. In addition, we found an increase in low alpha (8.5–10 Hz) PSD and in the complexity index with age. These findings suggest that macrocephaly as an isolated trait has a significant impact on brain activity during the first year of life.