Relationship between bilirubin and auditory function in premature neonates

Research has shown hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants is more prevalent and its course more protracted than in term neonates. High levels of bilirubin have been documented to be toxic to the central nervous system and may cause neurological impairments in newborns. Impairment of auditory function is the most consistent abnormality, especially in premature infants. Hyperbilirubinemia is a risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss according the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing. If premature infants are at a greater risk for hyperbilirubinemia it can be assumed that they will be at a greater risk of having auditory dysfunction caused, or contributed to, by hyperbilirubinemia.;Currently, national guidelines are needed which address when treatment options should be considered and implemented regarding bilirubin levels in premature infants. The need for these guidelines is a necessity, as preterm infants require much closer follow-up and more aggressive therapy than full term infants. The objective for this research project was to determine the relationship between bilirubin levels and auditory function in preterm infants. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) tests were prospectively investigated in premature infants while monitoring total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels.;Ten subjects with a mean gestational age of 31.5 weeks participated in the study. The mean peak TSB was 7.91 mg/dL. Based on the peak TSB to birth weight ratio all subjects were assigned to the control group. Spearman's correlation coefficient indicated no significant correlation between peak TSB levels and auditory function. This study provided baseline data for further research evaluating auditory function in preterm hyperbilirubinemic subjects.