Relationship research between auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder and exchange transfusion in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia

Objective: To explore the effects of exchange transfusion on auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia (SH). Methods: The clinical data of 2216 SH neonates who met the standard of exchange transfusion and 732 non severe-hyperbilirubinemia (NSH) neonates in the same period who did not require exchange transfusion in the neonatology department of Childrens' Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2010 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, the SH neonates were further divided into the exchange transfusion group and photography group. Hearing screening was conducted on all neonates using transiently evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and auto auditory brainstem response (AABR), and neonates who failed the above screening were performed diagnostic hearing test. And then neonates diagnosed with hearing disorder were followed up for 2-5 years. Results: The pass rates of hearing screening were 80.58%, 79.71% and 87.84% in the phototherapy group, exchange transfusion group and NSH group respectively, with a significant difference(P < 0.05). Hearing loss was diagnosed in 10.15%, 12.39% and 8.54% of neonates in the phototherapy group, exchange transfusion group and NSH group. After follow-up, ultimate incidence rates of ANSD were 11.96%, 11.57% and 2.4% respectively in the 3 groups, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusions: SH is one of risk factors for ANSD. SH neonates have a lower incidence of ANSD in the exchange transfusion group than in the phototherapy group. Neonates who meet the standards of exchange transfusion adopt this therapy in early stage, which can quickly decrease bilirubin level and ultimately reduce incidence of ANSD.