Change detection in newborns using a multiple deviant paradigm: a study using magnetoencephalography.
OBJECTIVE
Mismatch responses are elicited to changes in sound streams in healthy newborns. In the ideal case, these responses can predict cognitive problems later in life. We employed a multiple deviant paradigm for a fast assessment of the ability of the newborn brain to respond to various types of acoustic changes.


METHODS
In 12 healthy newborns, we recorded an electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetoencephalogram while presenting auditory stimuli. Between repeated stimuli, four types of acoustic changes (frequency, intensity, duration, and a gap) were presented, varying in deviance magnitude.


RESULTS
One major response was present in the neonatal evoked potentials and fields at 250-260 ms. Magnetic mismatch responses were elicited to all change types except for the duration deviant and they were positive in polarity. The frequency deviant elicited more positive EEG amplitudes than the standard, whereas the response to the duration deviant was more negative.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show that newborns can detect changes to at least four types of deviances within a sound stream. Furthermore, the use of magneto- and electroencephalography is complementary in newborns, since the methods may reveal different outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Further studies are warranted to determine whether the present study design can play a role in testing auditory function in clinical infant populations.
Sambeth
Anke
A
Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Pakarinen
Satu
S
Ruohio
Katja
K
Fellman
Vineta
V
van Zuijen
Titia L
TL
Huotilainen
Minna
M
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000254:growth & development*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015225:Magnetoencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology