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Published on: June 29, 2013
The pattern reversal VEP in short-gestation infants
G F Harding1, J Grose, A Wilton
1Department of Vision Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, U.K.
Insights
This study examined visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in premature infants, finding that the P1 component
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Premature infants exhibit unique visual system development.
- Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are crucial for assessing visual pathway maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in premature infants.
- To correlate VEP components with gestational age in this population.
Main Methods:
- Pattern reversal VEPs and flash VEPs were recorded in 10 premature infants (32-35 weeks gestational age).
- Stimulation used a handheld monitor with 2-degree visual angle checks.
- VEPs were recorded on at least two occasions, starting before 37 weeks gestational age.
Main Results:
- A prominent P1 component (around 280 msec) was observed in pattern reversal VEPs.
- P1 component latency showed a negative correlation with increasing gestational age.
- Flash VEPs, unlike pattern reversal VEPs, often displayed an initial negative component.
Conclusions:
- Pattern reversal VEPs provide valuable insights into visual pathway development in premature infants.
- The maturational trajectory of the P1 component is linked to gestational age.
Abstract:
Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to pattern reversal stimulation have been obtained in 10 premature babies. The babies were born between 32 and 35 weeks gestational age and had pattern reversal VEPs recorded on at least 2 separate occasions. The responses were obtained from 33 weeks gestational age, and all babies had their initial recording at or before 37 weeks gestational age. The pattern reversal stimulation was produced on a small hand-held television monitor. The black and white checks subtended a visual angle of 2 degrees. Flash VEPs were also recorded on each occasion for comparison. The pattern reversal response consisted of a major positive (P1) component around 280 msec. The latency of the P1 component correlated negatively with gestational age. Although the flash VEP in the same babies was often dominated by the initial negative component no similar negative components were seen in the pattern reversal response.
