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Effects of sedation on auditory brainstem response in Rett syndrome
Joseph P Pillion1, Genila Bibat, Sakkubai Naidu
1Department of Audiology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. pillion@kennedykrieger.org
Pediatric Neurology
|April 20, 2010
Summary
Sedation may prolong auditory brainstem response interpeak latency intervals in Rett syndrome, potentially explaining inconsistent findings. Careful interpretation is needed for sedated individuals with Rett syndrome or intellectual disability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) interpeak latency intervals are often prolonged in neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome.
- Sedation's impact on ABR measures is a confounding factor in cross-diagnostic comparisons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sedation on ABR interpeak latency intervals (I-III, III-V, I-V) in individuals with Rett syndrome and other neurodevelopmental delays.
- To determine if sedation influences ABR findings in a normative control group.
Main Methods:
- Compared ABR interpeak latencies in MECP2-positive Rett syndrome, MECP2-negative neurodevelopmental delay groups, and a normative group (sedated vs. nonsedated).
- Utilized analysis of variance and t tests to analyze latency data.
Main Results:
- Sedated Rett syndrome participants exhibited longer I-V interpeak latencies.
- Mutation-positive participants showed longer III-V interpeak latencies compared to mutation-negative controls.
- Sedation did not significantly affect ABR interpeak latencies in the normative group.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a potential biological basis for discrepancies in ABR literature for Rett syndrome.
- Recommend cautious interpretation of ABR results in sedated individuals with Rett syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

