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Semi-Automated Analysis of Peak Amplitude and Latency for Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using R
Published on: December 9, 2022
Brainstem auditory response findings in preterm infants after necrotizing enterocolitis.
Ze D Jiang1, Li L Ping, C Chen
1Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China Neonatal Unit, Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK. zedong.jiang@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|August 29, 2012
Summary
Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants may affect brainstem auditory pathways. While peripheral auditory function remains normal, neural conduction shows abnormalities, impacting brainstem auditory conduction.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Auditory neuroscience
- Pediatric audiology
Background:
- Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition in preterm infants.
- Preterm infants are at risk for various neurodevelopmental complications.
- Auditory function can be affected by critical illness in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess brainstem auditory function in preterm infants following NEC.
- To identify any term-equivalent auditory abnormalities in these infants.
- To investigate the impact of NEC on the brainstem auditory pathway.
Main Methods:
- Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) was recorded in 37 preterm infants with a history of NEC.
- Recordings were performed at a rate of 21/sec and 60 dB nHL.
- Data were analyzed at term-equivalent age and compared to normal term infants.
Main Results:
- BAER thresholds were slightly elevated but not significantly different from controls.
- Latencies for waves I and III showed non-significant increases.
- Wave V latency and I-V interpeak interval were significantly prolonged in infants post-NEC (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively).
- Amplitudes of BAER components did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants who experienced NEC exhibit normal peripheral auditory function.
- Abnormalities in brainstem auditory pathway neural conduction are present.
- NEC adversely impacts brainstem auditory conduction in preterm infants.

