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Hemisphere Differences in Speech-Sound Event-Related Potentials in Intensive Care Neonates

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Neurodevelopmental delays in intensive care neonates are common but difficult to predict. In children, hemisphere differences in cortical processing of speech are predictive of cognitive performance. We hypothesized that hemisphere differences in auditory event-related potentials in intensive care neonates are predictive of neurodevelopment in infancy, even in those born preterm. Event-related potentials to speech sounds were prospectively recorded in 57 infants (gestational age 24-40 weeks) prior to discharge. The Developmental Assessment of Young Children was performed at 6 and 12 months. Hemisphere differences in mean amplitudes increased with postnatal age (P < .01) but not with gestational age. Greater hemisphere differences were associated with improved communication and cognitive scores at 6 and 12 months, but decreased in significance at 12 months after adjusting for socioeconomic and clinical factors. Auditory cortical responses can be used in intensive care neonates to help identify infants at higher risk for delays in infancy.

Source: Journal of Child Neurology

DOI: 10.1177/0883073813493502

Authors: Nathalie L. Maitre, James C. Slaughter, Judy L. Aschner, Alexandra P. Key

Institutions: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University

Language: English

Topic: Infant Development and Preterm Care

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Center for Research Resources, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development