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Auditory brain stem responses in infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation
S Lary1, L S De Vries, A Kaiser
1Department of Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Auditory brain stem responses in infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation often normalize, even if the condition persists. Cerebrospinal fluid withdrawal may improve auditory function.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation is a serious complication in preterm infants.
- Auditory pathway dysfunction can occur in infants with this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate auditory brain stem responses (ABRs) in infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation.
- To assess the relationship between ABRs and ventricular dilatation, and the effect of cerebrospinal fluid management.
Main Methods:
- Auditory brain stem responses were measured in 19 infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation.
- Serial ABRs were monitored alongside the progression of ventricular dilatation.
- Cerebrospinal fluid pressure and ABRs were correlated; effects of cerebrospinal fluid withdrawal were observed.
Main Results:
- ABRs showed diverse patterns, from normal to absent responses.
- ABR abnormalities typically resolved spontaneously, independent of ventricular dilatation progression.
- No correlation was found between cerebrospinal fluid pressure and prolonged ABR interpeak latencies.
- Improvement in ABRs was observed in three infants following cerebrospinal fluid withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Auditory brain stem response abnormalities in posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation often show spontaneous resolution.
- Cerebrospinal fluid management, such as withdrawal, may positively impact auditory pathway function in these infants.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and optimize interventions.