[Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in low and high risk newborns]

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) were performed in a population of preterm infants of 32-34, 35-37 and 38-41 weeks of gestational age (GE) high risk newborns, and in 38-41 weeks GE low risk newborns. Statistical differences were found between both 38-41 weeks GE groups. High risk newborns showed longer latencies of waves III and V (P < 0.001), and I-III and I-V interwave intervals (P < 0.01). Our data show that auditory brainstem system suffer in high risk newborns. Results is discussed in relationship with other brainstem auditory evoked potentials studies in high risk newborns due it's clinical implications of present data.