Brainstem auditory function at term in preterm babies with and without perinatal complications

Functional integrity of the auditory brainstem was studied at term in babies born at 30-36 wk of gestation using maximum length sequence brainstem auditory evoked response (MLS BAER). Compared with normal term babies, preterm babies who had perinatal complications showed a tendency of an increase in wave V latency and I-V and III-V intervals at all 91-910/s clicks, with statistical significance at higher rates. Wave V latency and I-V interval increased significantly at 455/s and 910/s. III-V interval increased at all click rates, which was more significant at higher rates. III-V/I-III interval ratio increased at most rates. Waves III and V amplitudes reduced significantly mainly at 455/s and 910/s. In preterm babies who had no perinatal complications, there were no major MLS BAER abnormalities except an increase in III-V interval at 91-910/s. By comparison, the preterm babies with perinatal complications had a significant increase in wave V latency, I-V and III-V intervals, and III-V/I-III interval ratio at 455/s and 910/s clicks. These results suggest that although there are no major abnormalities in brainstem auditory function in preterm babies without perinatal complications, the auditory brainstem, mainly the more central part, in preterm babies with perinatal complications is impaired, which becomes more apparent at very high stimulus rates. We conclude that preterm babies with perinatal complications are at high risk of central auditory impairment.