Frequency-following response among neonates with progressive moderate hyperbilirubinemia

Department

Audiology

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of auditory monitoring of neurophysiological status using frequency-following response (FFR) in neonates with progressive moderate hyperbilirubinemia, measured by transcutaneous (TcB) levels. Study design: ABR and FFR measures were compared and correlated with TcB levels across three groups. Group I was a healthy cohort (n = 13). Group II (n = 28) consisted of neonates with progressive, moderate hyperbilirubinemia and Group III consisted of the same neonates, post physician-ordered phototherapy. Result: FFR amplitudes in Group I controls (TcB = 83.1 ± 32.5µmol/L; 4.9 ± 1.9 mg/dL) were greater than Group II (TcB = 209.3 ± 48.0µmol/L; 12.1 ± 2.8 mg/dL). After TcB was lowered by phototherapy, FFR amplitudes in Group III were similar to controls. Lower TcB levels correlated with larger FFR amplitudes (r = −0.291, p = 0.015), but not with ABR wave amplitude or latencies. Conclusion: The FFR is a promising measure of the dynamic neurophysiological status in neonates, and may be useful in tracking neurotoxicity in infants with hyperbilirubinemia.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2020

Publication Title

Journal of Perinatology

ISSN

0743-8346

Volume

40

Issue

2

DOI

10.1038/s41372-019-0421-y

First Page

203

Last Page

211

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