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How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns
Published on: October 24, 2019
Normal visual evoked potentials in preschool children born small for gestational age
Josefin Nilsson1, Jovanna Dahlgren, Ann-Katrine Karlsson
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. josefin.nilsson@neuro.gu.se
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 1, 2011
Summary
Visual evoked potential (VEP) abnormalities do not persist in children born small for gestational age (SGA) by preschool age. This study found no significant VEP latency differences in older children born SGA compared to those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Previous research indicated visual evoked potential (VEP) abnormalities in infants and animals born small for gestational age (SGA).
- These abnormalities were observed when compared to control groups born with appropriate size for gestational age (AGA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore whether visual evoked potential (VEP) abnormalities observed in infants born small for gestational age (SGA) persist into older childhood.
- To investigate the long-term neurophysiological development in children born SGA.
Main Methods:
- Pattern VEP latencies were measured in 21 children born SGA and moderately preterm (average age 5 years, 8 months).
- A control group of 51 children, also moderately preterm but born AGA (average age 5 years, 7 months), was included for comparison.
- VEP recordings were taken using binocular, right eye, and left eye stimulation.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in visual evoked potential (VEP) latency were found between children born SGA and controls born AGA.
- This lack of difference was consistent across binocular, right eye, and left eye stimulation conditions.
Conclusions:
- The study's findings suggest that any initial VEP latency differences in children born small for gestational age (SGA) do not persist by preschool age.
- Results may support the hypothesis of accelerated neurophysiological maturation in SGA individuals during their first year.
- Previously observed delayed VEP latencies in SGA children who experienced catch-up growth appear to normalize compared to AGA controls.
