Relationship between Bilirubin and Auditory Function in Premature Neonates

Abstract

Research has shown hyperbilirubinemia is more prevalent in preterm infants than in term infants. Hyperbilirubin is toxic to the central nervous system and may cause neurological impairments in newborns with the most consistent impairment being auditory dysfunction. However, national guidelines are needed which address bilirubin levels in premature infants. The study objective 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) were prospectively investigated in premature infants while monitoring total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels. Ten subjects with mean gestational age of 31.5 weeks and mean peak-TSB of 7.91 mg/dL were enrolled. The posthoc peak-TSB to birth weight ratio placed all subjects in the control group. Spearman's correlation coefficient indicated no significant correlation between peak-TSB levels and auditory function. Further research with hyperbilirubinemia subjects is needed to determine when preterm infants' auditory function is affected.