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Auditory brainstem response in infants with iron deficiency anemia
Hemawathiy Sundagumaran1, Jayashree Seethapathy2
1Speech Language Pathologist & Audiologist, India.
Insights
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in infants prolongs auditory brainstem response (ABR) latencies, affecting central auditory system development. Untreated IDA can lead to lasting neuro-functional alterations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Hematology
Background:
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) in infants with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) provides insights into central nervous system auditory pathways.
- IDA is a common condition in infants, potentially impacting neurological development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR in infants with and without IDA.
- To investigate the impact of IDA on auditory pathway maturation.
Main Methods:
- ABR traces were recorded from 40 anemic and 40 non-anemic infant ears (6-24 months).
- Recordings utilized click stimuli at various intensity levels (70, 50, 30 dBnHL).
Main Results:
- Prolonged absolute latencies for ABR peaks (except peak I) were observed in infants with IDA across tested intensities.
- Peak amplitudes were similar at higher intensities but reduced significantly at 30 dBnHL in the IDA group.
- Interpeak latencies showed no significant difference at 70 dBnHL, but prolonged III-V and I-V latencies were noted at 50 and 30 dBnHL in infants with IDA.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency appears to affect the functional development of the infant auditory system.
- Untreated IDA may have long-lasting consequences on the central auditory system, altering neuro-functional maturation.
Background:
Auditory brainstem response (ABR) in infants with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) helps in understanding the auditory aspects of central nervous system.
Objectives:
To analyse and compare absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR in infants with and without IDA.
Methods:
ABR traces were obtained from 40 anemic ears and 40 non anemic ears, aged 6-24 months. ABR was recorded with 11.1/s clicks at different intensity levels.
Results:
Absolute latencies of all the peaks were prolonged in infants with IDA at 70, 50 and 30 dBnHL except for peak I. Amplitude of peaks I, III and V was not statistically different between the two groups at 70 and 50 dBnHL. Reduced peak amplitude was noted only at 30 dBnHL in infants with IDA which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Interpeak interval showed no significant difference between anemic and non-anemic infants at 70 dBnHL. Prolonged interpeak latency of peak III-V and I-V was noted at 50 and 30dBnHL.
Conclusion:
Functional development of auditory system seems to be affected due to iron deficiency. IDA has a long lasting effects on central auditory system when IDA is left untreated This will in turn lead to an alteration in the neuro-functional maturation.
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