Abstract
In order to determine the prognostic utility of VEPs in asphyxiated infants we studied 14 neonates (34-42 wks) with Apgars ≤6 at 5′, excluding those with other complicating features (eg., jaundice, hydrocephalus). VEPs were recorded from Oz (reference Fz) in response to red LED stimulation within 24 hours of admission. Infants with Apgars ≤3 had 1-3 repeat testings within their first week.
Three infants with mild to moderate asphyxia (Apgar 4-6 at 5′) had normal VEPs. The recordings were well defined and reproducible.
Eleven infants had severe asphyxia (Apgar ≤3 at 5′). Three had consistently normal VEPs. In one case, the initial VEP was abnormal, reverting to a normal pattern by 5 days. The remaining 7 infants had markedly abnormal and poorly replicating or flat VEPs which persisted. Normal or rapidly improving VEPs correlated well with clinical recovery in the neonatal period. Severely abnormal VEPs carried a poor prognosis. Six infants died in the neonatal period and the one survivor has severe persistent neurologic abnormality. This preliminary data suggests that repeated VEPs are a useful addition to the clinical evaluation of the asphyxiated neonate.
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Whyte, H., Chin, K., Menzies, R. et al. 1716 VISUAL EVOKED POTENTIALS (VEPs) IN ASPHYXIATED NEONATES. Pediatr Res 19, 396 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01734
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01734