The value of brainstem auditory evoked potential and lower limb short latency somatosensory evoked potential for predicting delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning

Abstract

Objective To observe the changes of brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) and lower limb short latency somatosensory evoked potential ( SLSEP) in acute carbon monoxide poisoning patients and explore the predictive value of BAEP and SLSEP for delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP). Methods Sixty-six acute CO poisoning patients was divided into a DEACMP group and a non-DEACMP group according to their symptoms. At the same time, 60 healthy subjects were included in the control group. BAEP and lower limb SLSEP dynamic testing were conducted at different time points. Results The abnormal rates in the first test of BAEP and lower limb SLSEP in the acute CO poisoning patients were 31.8% and 68.2% respectively.The BAEP results in the acute stage and later in the DEACMP group were comparable to those of the non-DEACMP group and the normal control group. Interpeak latency of Ⅰ-Ⅲ was not significantly different, but the remaining indices were significantly longer. Compared to the control group, the lower limb SLSEP readings in the acute DEACMP group and the non-DEACMP group were significantly longer. Compared to the non-DEACMP group and the control group, the SLSEP results of the DEACMP group were significantly extended. The specificity index of the BAEP predicted DEACMP up to 85.7% , significantly more than SLSEP testing. Conclusions Early detection of BAEP can help predict DEACMP. This finding should be promulgated and applied. Key words: Brainstem auditory evoked potential; Lower limb somatosensory evoked potential; Acute carbon monoxide poisoning; Delayed encephalopathy; Prediction