Abstract
ObjectiveThe present study was performed to investigate neonatal auditory perception function by quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and auditory event-related potentials (aERPs) and identify the characteristics of auditory perception development in newborns.MethodsFifty-three normal full-term neonates were divided into three groups according their age in days. An auditory oddball paradigm was used. QEEG (resting state and task state) and aERPs were performed. EEG δ power in the resting and task states and at different ages was respectively analyzed. The N2 area and latency of aERPs at different ages were also compared.ResultsThe four main findings of this study are as follows. First, the increase in the EEG δ power was significantly greater in the task than resting state in Group 3 at the Fz lead (t = −3.371, P = 0.004) and in Groups 2 and 3 at the Cz lead (Group 2: t = −3.149, P = 0.005; Group 3: t = −3.609, P = 0.002). Second, the δ power gradually increased from 1 to 10 days of age (Group 1), peaked at 11 to 20 days (Group 2), and gradually decreased from 21 to 28 days (Group 3). The data in the Fz lead during the task state and in the Cz lead during the resting and task states were statistically significant (F = 5.875, P = 0.005; F = 5.523, P = 0.007; and F = 5.402, P = 0.008, respectively). Third, the N2 area significantly increased with age by presentation of target stimuli (F = 5.26, P = 0.01). The N2 area increased most significantly from 21 to 28 days (Group 3). Finally, the N2 latency significantly decreased with age (Fz lead: F = 4.66, P = 0.023; Cz lead: F = 7.18, P = 0.005). The N2 latency decreased most significantly from 11 to 20 days of age (Group 2).ConclusionRapid cognitive development occurs during the neonatal period. In the first several days after birth, the EEG δ power and N2 area manifested the characteristic performance of identifying task information. QEEG and aERP measurement can be used as objective indices with which to evaluate auditory perception development in neonates.
Highlights
Cognitive function refers to the process of acquiring, coding, manipulating, extracting, and using sensory input information when recognizing objective items
Rapid cognitive development occurs during the neonatal period
In the first several days after birth, the EEG δ power and N2 area manifested the characteristic performance of identifying task information
Summary
Cognitive function refers to the process of acquiring, coding, manipulating, extracting, and using sensory input information when recognizing objective items. In 1950, the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget developed a cognitive development theory that remains the most comprehensive model of infant cognition He proposed that within 1 month after birth, an infant can initiate the acceptance of a variety of sensory stimulations to formulate a reflex response, forming the cornerstone of future cognitive development. Quantitative EEG (QEEG) is a quantitative measure of the original EEG data and overcomes the subjective interference of traditional visual analysis. It is a computer-based technology that is used to calculate and display EEG signals in the time and frequency domains. The δ wave forms the main brain activity rhythm in the neonatal period, reflecting the capacity for signal detection and decision-making[2]. The EEG δ power can be used as an electrophysiological indicator of cortical functional maturation during EEG examination[3]
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