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Early ABRs in infants undergoing assisted ventilation
L C Cox1, R J Martin, W A Carlo
1Department of Otolaryngology, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts.
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing in preterm infants on ventilation showed responses down to 26 weeks gestational age. Lower birthweight and gestational age were linked to absent ABRs in these neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal audiology
- Neurophysiology
- Pediatric critical care
Background:
- Preterm infants undergoing assisted ventilation require careful monitoring for potential auditory pathway development issues.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is a key electrophysiological measure for assessing hearing function in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) in preterm infants receiving conventional or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV).
- To determine the impact of ventilation type and perinatal factors on ABR development in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing was conducted on 42 preterm infants.
- Infants were supported by either conventional or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV).
- Analysis focused on the presence of ABRs and correlation with gestational age, birthweight, and ventilation type.
Main Results:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) was detectable in infants as early as 26 weeks of gestational age.
- The primary factors associated with absent ABRs were lower birthweight and reduced gestational age.
- No significant effect of ventilation type (conventional vs. HFOV) on ABR presence was identified.
Conclusions:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing is feasible in ventilated preterm infants.
- Gestational age and birthweight are critical determinants of auditory pathway maturation in this population.
- Further research may explore long-term auditory outcomes in relation to these perinatal factors.