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MRA and ABR as Early Predictors of Bilirubin-Induced Neurologic Dysfunction in Full-term Jaundiced Neonates

Completed
Conditions
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Interventions
Device: MRS and ABR
Registration Number
NCT06018012
Lead Sponsor
Tanta University
Brief Summary

The aim of the research was to define the role of MRS and ABR as early predictors of bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) in full-term neonates who required intervention (phototherapy or exchange transfusion).

Detailed Description

Neonatal jaundice is a prevalent condition. It's typically a harmless phase that occurs as the body adjusts to bilirubin levels after birth, representing a balance between its production and elimination. When there's an increase in bilirubin production and a decrease in elimination, infants become at risk for dangerous hyperbilirubinemia, potentially leading to bilirubin encephalopathy.

The range of neurological issues caused by excessive bilirubin is referred to as bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction. Detecting this condition early is crucial to prevent irreversible brain damage. Some of the neurological effects include gliosis, demyelination, and interference with glutamate uptake by astrocytes in the basal ganglia. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an advanced imaging technique that holds promise for identifying these metabolic changes and aiding in the diagnosis and evaluation of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.

Bilirubin neurotoxicity particularly affects the auditory system, starting with the brainstem cochlear nuclei, followed by the auditory nerve. This damage can occur even without the classic signs of bilirubin encephalopathy and is known as auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). ANSD is characterized by abnormal auditory neural function, while cochlear microphonics and otoacoustic emissions remain normal.

The impact on hearing can vary from subtle issues in sound processing to complete deafness. Abnormal results in auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests can indicate the presence of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE), serving as the most common and earliest sign of ABE.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
76
Inclusion Criteria
  • This study included term, appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates with pathological unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia who were candidates for intervention (Intensive phototherapy versus Exchange transfusion) using the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines; 2004.
Exclusion Criteria
  1. Preterm neonates (less than 37 weeks).
  2. Clinically moderate and severe acute bilirubin encephalopathy according to modified Bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND-M) score.
  3. Neonates born with birth asphyxia and/or poor Apgar score.
  4. Neonates with sepsis including CNS infection.
  5. Neonates with family history of childhood hearing loss.
  6. Congenital infection.
  7. Chromosomal abnormalities.
  8. Congenital ear anomalies associated with hearing loss or brain abnormalities including craniofacial anomalies.
  9. Patients who were receiving ototoxic drugs as aminoglycosides.
  10. Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
1 or acute bilirubin encephalopathyMRS and ABRGroup (1): included 26 cases with BIND or acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE).
2 or neonatal hyperbilirubinemiaMRS and ABRGroup (2): included 30 cases with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia on
ControlMRS and ABRcontrol group: 20 healthy, age-matched neonates
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Bilirubin level and MRS abnormality2 years

Finding out the lowest level of total serum bilirubin at which MRS abnormalities were found, in comparison to age.

Early detection of neurological abnormalities using MRS metabolic ratios in high-risk neonates without oblivious clinical signs2 years

Early detection of neurological abnormalities in high-risk neonates, without oblivious clinical signs, chemically by using MRS metabolic ratio ( low NAA/Cr, NAA/Cho ratios, and high Lac/Cr ratio).

Early detection of neurological abnormalities using ABR parameters in high-risk neonates without oblivious clinical signs2 years

Early detection of neurological abnormalities in high-risk neonates, without oblivious clinical signs, functionally through ABR parameters ( prolonged wave III peak latency, wave V peak latency, I-III interpeak interval, and I-V interpeak interval )

Bilirubin level and auditory abnormality2 years

Finding out the lowest level of total serum bilirubin at which auditory pathway abnormality was found, in comparison to age.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Discriminative capacity of MRS for acute bilirubin encephalopathy2 years

Determining the discriminative capacity of MRS metabolic ratios (NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho) for neonates with acute bilirubin encephalopathy and those without it with identification of the cutoff value those ratios at which acute bilirubin encephalopathy is present.

Discriminative capacity of ABR for acute bilirubin encephalopathy2 years

Determining the discriminative capacity of ABR wave latencies and interpeak intervals abnormalities for neonates with acute bilirubin encephalopathy and those without it with identification of the cutoff value those latencies and intervals at which acute bilirubin encephalopathy is present.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

faculty of medicine,Tanta University

🇪🇬

Tanta, Q2x2+cp Tanta 2, Egypt

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