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. 2020 Feb;40(2):203-211.
doi: 10.1038/s41372-019-0421-y. Epub 2019 Jul 1.

Frequency-following response among neonates with progressive moderate hyperbilirubinemia

Gabriella Musacchia  1   2 , Jiong Hu  3 , Vinod K Bhutani  4 , Ronald J Wong  4 , Mei-Ling Tong  5 , Shuping Han  5 , Nikolas H Blevins  6 , Matthew B Fitzgerald  6
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Frequency-following response among neonates with progressive moderate hyperbilirubinemia

Gabriella Musacchia et al. J Perinatol. 2020 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of auditory monitoring of neurophysiological status using frequency-following response (FFR) in neonates with progressive moderate hyperbilirubinemia, measured by transcutaneous (TcB) levels.

Study design: ABR and FFR measures were compared and correlated with TcB levels across three groups. Group I was a healthy cohort (n = 13). Group II (n = 28) consisted of neonates with progressive, moderate hyperbilirubinemia and Group III consisted of the same neonates, post physician-ordered phototherapy.

Result: FFR amplitudes in Group I controls (TcB = 83.1 ± 32.5µmol/L; 4.9 ± 1.9 mg/dL) were greater than Group II (TcB = 209.3 ± 48.0µmol/L; 12.1 ± 2.8 mg/dL). After TcB was lowered by phototherapy, FFR amplitudes in Group III were similar to controls. Lower TcB levels correlated with larger FFR amplitudes (r = -0.291, p = 0.015), but not with ABR wave amplitude or latencies.

Conclusion: The FFR is a promising measure of the dynamic neurophysiological status in neonates, and may be useful in tracking neurotoxicity in infants with hyperbilirubinemia.

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