Accuracy of Crib-o-gram as a screening test on high risk newborns

Abstract

In the present study, Crib-o-gram (COG) and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were recorded in fifteen high risk newborns in the intensive care unit selected by the following criteria: birth weight < 2200 g, asphyxia, artificial ventilation, respiratory failure, and potential ototoxic medication (aminoglycosides). The infants tested ranged in gestational age from 27 to 40 weeks. The COG testing was performed by placing a motion-sensing transducer beneath the infant's crib mattress. All 15 infants failed the COG at least two times before having the ABR test given. The ABR testing was performed in a soundproof room using a Nicolet 1170. Twelve infants had normal ABR, one had some sensorineural loss and two infants were deaf. The rate of false positive finding is very high. Consequently, the accuracy of the COG is questionable. In spite of the high risk factors of the newborns it is difficult to implicate aminoglycosides as a single cause of hearing loss. We feel very strongly that a routine ABR evaluation should be performed on all high risk newborns. [Work supported by Deafness Research Foundation.]