Age, sex and mental retardation related changes of brainstem auditory evoked potentials in Down's syndrome

Author(s): Delgracco, S., Elia, M., Musumeci, S. A., Stefanini, M. C.

Journal/Book: Ital J Neurol Sci. 1995; 16: Via Statuto 2/4, 20121 Milan, Italy. Masson Divisione Periodici. 377-383.

Abstract: Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded in 51 Down's syndrome (DS) subjects and compared with those of 38 normal controls; the correlations between the BAEP measures and age, sex, and degree of mental retardation were then evaluated The DS patients showed a significant reduction in wave V latency and amplitude and in I-III III-V, and I-V interpeak intervals. An age-related shortening of the I-V interpeak interval found in DS patients was interpreted as being a result of changes in central inhibitory/excitatory, mechanisms. In both groups, female subjects presented an I-V interval shorter than that of males but this difference was greater in the DS subjects than in the normal population. The DS patients with severe mental retardation showed significantly longer I-V interpeak intervals than those with moderate retardation; this could be due to the presence of additional central nervous system abnormalities.

Note: Article R Ferri, Ist Oasi Ricerca Ritardo, Mentale & Invecchiamento, Div Neurol, Via C Ruggero 73, I-94018 Troina, Italy

Keyword(s): brainstem auditory evoked potentials; Down's syndrome; age; sex; mental retardation; TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS; STEM RESPONSES; ADULTS; STIMULATION; INFANTS

Zurück | Weiter