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European Journal of Pediatrics

Published in:

01-10-2009 | Original Paper

Changes in BAER wave amplitudes in relation to total serum bilirubin level in term neonates

Authors: Ze Dong Jiang, Dorothea Mary Brosi, Andrew Robert Wilkinson

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 10/2009

Abstract

Introduction

Whether the severity of bilirubin neurotoxicity is closely related to the level of total serum bilirubin (TSB) remains to be determined.

Materials and methods

We studied the amplitudes of brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) components in 83 term neonates with TSB >10 mg/dL to detect any differences in bilirubin ototoxic effect on the amplitudes between different levels of TSB.

Results and discussion

Compared to age-matched normal controls, the amplitudes of BAER waves III and V were reduced significantly (P<0.01 and 0.001). The V/I and V/III amplitude ratios were also decreased significantly (P<0.001 and 0.01). Although all amplitudes tended to be lower at higher TSB levels than at lower levels, none of the amplitudes correlated significantly with the level of TSB. Neither the V/I amplitude ratio nor the V/III amplitude ratio correlated with the TSB. No significant differences were found in any BAER wave amplitudes among the TSB levels 11–15, 16–20 and >20 mg/dL. In the comparison of amplitude data between any two of the three TSB levels, only wave V amplitude showed significant difference between TSB levels 11–15 and >20 mg/dL (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

BAER wave amplitudes were significantly reduced in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. However, there was no close correlation between the degree of amplitude reduction and the level of TSB. These results indicate that bilirubin toxicity to the neonatal brain is not closely related to the level of TSB.

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Title: Changes in BAER wave amplitudes in relation to total serum bilirubin level in term neonates
Authors: Ze Dong Jiang
Dorothea Mary Brosi
Andrew Robert Wilkinson
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-008-0919-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Changes in BAER wave amplitudes in relation to total serum bilirubin level in term neonates

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results and discussion

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results and discussion

Conclusion

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