Abnormalities of BAEP arising during treatment on the intensive care unit (ICU)

Author(s): Behrendt, W., Ferbert, A.

Journal/Book: Eeg-Emg-Z Elektroenz Elektrom. 1995; 26: P O Box 30 11 20, D-70451 Stuttgart, Germany. Georg Thieme Verlag. 226-234.

Abstract: We recorded brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in 21 patients of both neurological and anesthesiological intensive care unit. Each patient was tested twice or more. To be included in the study patients had to present normal BAEP recordings initially using a stimulus intensity of 90 dB/HL. Pathological brainstem functions had been excluded clinically and neuroradiologically by CCT scan. During the trial the BAEP recordings of 11 of these patients remained normal, whereas the BAEP patterns of 10 patients presented abnormalities. The most obvious finding in each of the 10 patients was an amplitude reduction particularly of wave I, later also of wave V. Wave I disappeared completely at least unilaterally in 9 patients. Additionally, wave V disappeared at least unilaterally in 5 patients. Three patients showed prolonged wave I latency as long as it could be identified. In 5 patients wave V latency was prolonged at least unilateral. Interpeak-latency (IPL) I-V could not be measured in 4 of these patients as it was impossible to identify wave I any longer. In one patient IPL I-V was prolonged. The described abnormalities were irreversible in 8 patients for the duration of our investigation. One patient recovered completely, another partly. Our results match with BAEP results in sensorineural hearing loss. The underlying disease could not explain the BAEP-alterations in any of the patients. The described abnormalities also could not be explained by artificial ventilation or hyperthermia. They are caused by ototoxic side-effects under treatment with aminoglycosides possibly in combination with cephalosporins. The rate is possibly higher than previously presumed.

Note: Article A Ferbert, Stadt Kliniken Kassel, Neurol Klin, Monchebergstr 41-43, D-34125 Kassel, Germany

Keyword(s): brainstem auditory evoked potentials; BAEP; sensorineural hearing loss; ototoxic effects; aminoglycoside ototoxicity; intensive care medicine; AUDITORY EVOKED-POTENTIALS; BRAIN-STEM RESPONSE; AMINOGLYCOSIDE OTOTOXICITY; AUDIOMETRY; HYPERTHERMIA; HYPOTHERMIA; TOXICITY; ABR

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