Auditory brainstem response in infants with iron deficiency anemia.

Background: Auditory brainstem response (ABR) in infants with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) helps in understanding the auditory aspects of central nervous system.

Objectives: To analyse and compare absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR in infants with and without IDA.

Methods: ABR traces were obtained from 40 anemic ears and 40 non anemic ears, aged 6-24 months. ABR was recorded with 11.1/s clicks at different intensity levels.

Results: Absolute latencies of all the peaks were prolonged in infants with IDA at 70, 50 and 30 dBnHL except for peak I. Amplitude of peaks I, III and V was not statistically different between the two groups at 70 and 50 dBnHL. Reduced peak amplitude was noted only at 30 dBnHL in infants with IDA which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Interpeak interval showed no significant difference between anemic and non-anemic infants at 70 dBnHL. Prolonged interpeak latency of peak III-V and I-V was noted at 50 and 30dBnHL.

Conclusion: Functional development of auditory system seems to be affected due to iron deficiency. IDA has a long lasting effects on central auditory system when IDA is left untreated This will in turn lead to an alteration in the neuro-functional maturation.