Correlation between neonatal serum bilirubin and brainstem auditory evoked potentials

ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between neonatal serum bilirubin levels and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (ABR).

MethodsEighty neonates with neonatal jaundice who were treated in hospital from January 2015 to June 2016 were selected and according to their serum total bilirubin concentrations determined on admission, divided into group A(35 cases), group B(30 cases), group C(15 cases), and brain auditory evoked potentials were determined.

ResultsIn group A, serum bilirubin (137-171 μmol/L) and abnormal ABR were found in 19 cases, the abnormal rate was 54.29%.In group B, serum bilirubin (172-205 μmol/L) and abnormal ABR were found in 28 cases, the abnormal rate was 93.33%.All the ABRs in group C (206-257 μmol/L) were abnormal. There was a statistically significant difference in the ABR abnormality rate between group A and group B, C(P < 0.05).All children's bilirubin concentration returned to normal 3 months after the re-examination; the recovery rates in group A, group B and group C were 100.00%, 40.00% and 0.00% respectively.The difference between the groups was significant(P < 0.05).

ConclusionBrainstem auditory evoked potentials are associated with neonatal serum bilirubin concentrations, especially when the serum bilirubin concentration in children reaches 171 μmol/L.Clinical treatment must be given sufficient attention to avoid the development of a permanent central nervous system damage.