how-to-obtain-reliable-visual-event-related-potentials-in-newborns

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns

The present study discusses the characteristics of visual event-related potentials (VEPs) and outlines methodological steps for obtaining reliable ...

National Autonomous University of Mexico

EEG sources were assessed in a group of patients with major moderate-severe depressive disorder (MDD) as classified by trained clinicians according to DSM-IV criteria. Frequency Domain Variable Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (FD-VARETA) was used to calculate EEG sources. The Z-values indicated that EEG sources were abnormal (increase in current density) in all patients, with most demonstrating abnormal EEG sources in both hemispheres but with maximal inverse solution located primarily in the right. Twenty-nine patients had a predominant topography of the abnormal EEG maximal inverse solution in the frontal lobes. The remaining seven patients had a bilateral abnormal increase in current density in the superior parietal lobe. The EEG maximal abnormal inverse solution frequency was observed in both hemispheres such that the increases in current density were prevalent in alpha and theta bands. The results suggest that any of the two hemispheres could be affected by MDD, but abnormal EEG sources can be found more frequently in the right one, with the maximal abnormal inverse solution at the alpha and theta bands in frontal and parietal cortices.

EEG sources in a group of patients with major depressive disorders.

Recent evidence suggests that Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR), in neonates with risk factors for neurological damage, may show auditory brainstem abnormalities, even in patients with normal hearing. To compare the recording and diagnostic accuracy of neonatal Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR), using 10 and 60clicks/s stimulation rates, two groups of neonates were prospectively studied: 30 healthy full-term neonates, with no peri- or postnatal complications; and 30 high-risk newborns with two or more of the following conditions: hyperbilirubinemia, use of ototoxic drugs, birth weight inferior to 1500g, perinatal sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and/or mechanical ventilation. Correlation between ABR trials, recording duration, and the absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR waves I, III and V, were measured. ROC-curve analysis assessed the diagnostic accuracy of both stimulation rates. The correlations between ABRs trials were significantly higher at 60clicks/s than at 10clicks/s (F=14.5, p<0.0002). Recording duration at 60clicks/s was significantly lower (t=20.9, p<0.0001). ROC-curve comparisons showed increased diagnostic accuracy at the stimulation rate of 60clicks/s, for waves I (D=2.04, p=0.04), V (D=2.02, p=0.04), interpeak latencies III-V (D=2.2, p=0.02), and I-V (D=2.86, p=0.004). In neonates, the use of 60clicks/s stimulation rate permits a substantial shortening of the ABR recording, with greater diagnostic accuracy and replicability.

Josefina Ricardo-Garcell

Research Unit in Neurodevelopment,
Institute of Neurobiology,
Research Unit in Neurodevelopment, Institute of Neurobiology

National Autonomous University of Mexico

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns

Josefina Ricardo-Garcell

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}Research Unit in Neurodevelopment,Institute of Neurobiology,Research Unit in Neurodevelopment, Institute of Neurobiology

National Autonomous University of Mexico

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns

Research Unit in Neurodevelopment,
Institute of Neurobiology,
Research Unit in Neurodevelopment, Institute of Neurobiology