Reduced wave amplitudes of brainstem auditory response in high-risk babies born at 28-32week gestation.
OBJECTIVE
To examine brainstem auditory electrophysiology in high-risk babies born at 28-32week gestation by analysing the amplitudes of wave components in maximum length sequence brainstem auditory evoked response (MLS BAER).


METHODS
94 preterm babies, ranging in gestation 28-32weeks, with perinatal problems (high-risk) were recruited. The amplitudes of MLS BAER wave components were studied at term age (37-42weeks postconceptional age).


RESULTS
Compared with normal term controls, the amplitude in the high-risk preterm babies was significantly smaller at the highest click rate 910/s for wave I (p<0.01), at all 91-910/s for wave III (all p<0.01) and at 455 and 910/s (p<0.05 and 0.01) for wave V. Compared with age-matched low-risk preterm controls, the amplitude was significantly smaller at 455 and 910/s for wave I (p<0.05 and 0.05), 91-910/s for wave III (p<0.05-0.001), and 227-910/s (p<0.05 and 0.01) for wave V. No differences in the V/I and V/III amplitude ratios were found between the high-risk preterm babies and the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The amplitudes of MLS BAER wave components, mainly more central components, were reduced in the high-risk preterm babies born at 28-32week gestation. Electrophysiological activity of the brainstem auditory neuron in such babies is depressed, mainly attributed to or related to the associated perinatal problems.
Children's Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: jiangzedong-oxshang@hotmail.com.
Ze Dong
ZD
Jiang
Children's Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Li Li
LL
Ping
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk
Amplitude; Auditory evoked potentials; Brainstem auditory impairment; Perinatal brain damage; Very preterm babies