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Development of visual evoked potentials in neonates. A study using light emitting diode goggles.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in neonates develop with gestational age. A consistent positive peak appears in VEPs after 37 weeks, indicating visual system maturation. This study highlights a reliable method for VEP assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Developmental neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are crucial for assessing the developing visual pathway in infants.
- Previous methods for VEP recording in neonates have limitations in practicality and reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in VEPs in relation to gestational age in normal neonates.
- To evaluate a novel, simplified method for recording VEPs in this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a signal averager and light-emitting diode goggles as a photostimulator.
- Recorded VEPs in 40 normal neonates ranging from 23 to 42 weeks' gestation.
- Assessed the presence and latency of specific VEP peaks.
Main Results:
- Replicable VEPs were obtained in most infants (except those <24 weeks gestation).
- A negative peak was consistently present across all infants.
- The development of the primary positive peak was dependent on gestational maturity, appearing consistently only in infants ≥37 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal VEPs demonstrate significant changes correlated with gestational maturity.
- The employed technique offers a practical and reliable alternative for VEP assessment in neonates.
- This method aids in understanding visual pathway development and identifying potential neurological impairments early.