Audiologic impairment associated with bilirubin-induced neurologic damage. Issue 1 (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olds, Cristen; Oghalai, John S.
• Is Part Of: Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 20:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Bilirubin -- Kernicterus -- Auditory neuropathy -- Hyperbilirubinemia -- Auditory brainstem response; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.9201
• DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2014.12.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-165X

Abstract

Summary: Hyperbilirubinemia occurs commonly in neonates and is usually mild and transient, with no long-lasting sequelae. However, bilirubin-induced neurologic damage may occur in some infants. The auditory pathway is the most sensitive part of the central nervous system to bilirubin-induced toxicity, and permanent sequelae may result from only moderately elevated total serum/plasma bilirubin levels. The damage to the auditory system occurs primarily within the brainstem and cranial nerve VIII, and manifests clinically as auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.