Auditory brainstem response in premature and full-term children

SummaryObjectivesTo compare the absolute latencies of peaks I, III and V and interpeak intervals of premature and full-term children.MethodsProspective, comparative cohort study. Study subjects were premature and full-term children with auditory brainstem response (ABR) measured at ages 4, 12 and 20 months. The children had previously undergone otorhinolaryngolic and audiologic evaluations to exclude those with altered hearing.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-four children were included in the study (73 premature). No differences were found between children of different sexes nor between the right and left ears of the individual children, so the statistical unit sed for the study was the ear. Using the t-test for independent samples, the absolute latencies of peaks I, III and IV and the interpeak intervals I–III, I–IV and III–V presented statistically significant differences between the groups at ages 4 and 12 months. At 20 months, only peak I failed to show a difference in absolute latency. Strong inverse correlation was found (Pearson's coefficient) between gestational age and absolute peak latency, as well as for interpeak intervals.ConclusionsMaturation of the auditory system, as measured by ABR, occurs differently between premature and full-term children, suggesting that gestational age be taken into consideration when using ABR in premature children younger than 20 months old.