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Brain-stem auditory function in very preterm infants with chronic lung disease: delayed neural conduction
Ze D Jiang1, Dorothea M Brosi, Andrew R Wilkinson
1Children's Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai, China. zedong.jiang@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk
Summary
Very preterm infants with chronic lung disease (CLD) show delayed neural conduction in the brain-stem auditory pathway. This impairment affects central auditory function, as indicated by brain-stem auditory evoked response (BAER) findings.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neuroscience
- Auditory neurophysiology
- Pediatric neurology
Background:
- Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a common complication in very preterm infants.
- The impact of CLD on developing auditory pathways is not fully understood.
- Early assessment of neurological function is crucial for preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brain-stem auditory function in very preterm infants diagnosed with CLD.
- To identify potential delays or impairments in the central auditory pathway.
Main Methods:
- Brain-stem auditory evoked response (BAER) was recorded in 25 very preterm infants with CLD.
- BAER was performed at term using click stimuli at various rates (21, 51, and 91 Hz).
- Results were compared to those of normal term control infants.
Main Results:
- Infants with CLD exhibited significantly increased BAER wave V latency and I-V and III-V interpeak intervals compared to controls.
- The III-V/I-III interval ratio was also significantly elevated in the CLD group.
- No significant differences were observed in wave I and III latencies or BAER wave amplitudes.
Conclusions:
- Neural conduction is delayed in the central brain-stem auditory pathway of infants with CLD.
- Brain-stem auditory function is impaired in very preterm infants suffering from CLD.
- The observed BAER abnormalities suggest a specific impact of CLD on auditory processing in the brainstem.