Value of BAEP in the early diagnosis of acute bilirubin encephalopathy in the newborn

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation and sensitivity of brain stem auditory evoked potential(BAEP) and cranial magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in the diagnosis of acute bilimbin encephalopathy(ABE) in the newborn.

MethodsThe clinical data of newborn with hyperbilirubinemia and aged >37 weeks were retrospectively analyzed, and divided into the ABE group(37 cases) and non-ABE group(92 cases).The total serum bilirubin level, changes of BAEP and MRI were compared between two groups.

ResultsThe total serum bilirubin level, abnormal rates of BAEP and MRI in ABE group were higher than those in non-ABE group(P<0.01).

ConclusionsThe total serum bilirubin level, BAEP and cranial MRI can be used as the indicators for the early diagnosis of neonatal ABE, and the BAEP is highly sensitive to ABE diagnosis.