Reversibility of brainstem evoked response audiometry abnormalities at 3 months in term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia

Indian Pediatr. 2014 Feb;51(2):134-5. doi: 10.1007/s13312-014-0346-7. Epub 2013 Sep 5.

Abstract

Background: High bilirubin level is toxic to developing brain and auditory system but the current debate surrounds the toxicity of bilirubin in healthy term infants.

Methods: Longitudinal observational study to find BERA abnormalities in term newborns with isolated hyperbilirubinemia of 20 mg/dL and more and to follow up babies at 3 months to find out about the reversibility in BERA abnormalities noted at birth.

Results: BERA abnormalities were present in 17.64% of babies with isolated hyperbilirubinemia at discharge. There was a reversibility of BERA abnormalities in 61.61% during follow up.

Conclusions: BERA abnormalities are reversible in term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Audiometry, Evoked Response
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperbilirubinemia / physiopathology*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Treatment Outcome