Elsevier

The Journal of Pediatrics

Volume 137, Issue 6, December 2000, Pages 777-784
The Journal of Pediatrics

Original Articles
Neurophysiologic evaluation of auditory recognition memory in healthy newborn infants and infants of diabetic mothers,☆☆

https://doi.org/10.1067/mpd.2000.109149Get rights and content
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Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated the integrity of neural pathways for auditory recognition memory in normal newborn infants (n = 32) and infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs, n = 25). IDMs are at risk for fetal metabolic abnormalities that potentially damage recognition memory pathways. We hypothesized that newborn IDMs would have recognition memory deficits that would be correlated with later cognitive development. Study design: Recognition memory was assessed with event-related potentials (ERPs). Neonatal ERPs elicited by the maternal voice were compared with those elicited by a stranger’s voice. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development were administered at 1 year of age. Results: Infants in both the control and IDM groups demonstrated recognition of the maternal voice, but their ERP patterns differed. Both groups demonstrated increased amplitude and latency for the “P2” peak elicited by the maternal voice compared with the stranger’s voice. In the control group the stranger’s voice also elicited a negative slow wave, which was attenuated in the IDMs. The negative slow wave correlated significantly with the 1-year Mental Developmental Index. Conclusions: The presence of a specific neonatal ERP pattern indicated better 1-year cognitive development in infants in the control and IDM groups. ERPs from IDMs demonstrated subtle evidence of recognition memory impairments. (J Pediatr 2000;137:777-84)

Abbreviations

ANOVA
Analysis of variance
EEG
Electroencephalogram
ERPs
Event-related potentials
IDM
Infant of a diabetic mother
MDI
Mental Developmental Index

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Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health to Drs Nelson, deRegnier, and Georgieff (NS32755) and to Drs Georgieff and Nelson (HD29421). Further funding was obtained from the Minnesota Medical Foundation to Dr. Georgieff and from the Children’s Hospital Association to Dr deRegnier.

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Reprint requests: Raye-Ann deRegnier, MD, Room 2100, Children’s Hospital, St Paul, 345 N Smith Ave, St Paul, MN 55102.