Auditory event-related potentials at preschool age in children born very preterm.

Abstract Objective To assess auditory event-related potentials at preschool age in children born very preterm (VP, 27.4±1.9 gestational weeks, n =70) with a high risk of cognitive dysfunction. Methods We used an oddball paradigm consisting of a standard tone randomly replaced by one of three infrequent deviants (differing in frequency, sound direction or duration). Results The P1 and N2 latencies were inversely correlated to age (50–63months) both in VP ( r =−0.451, p r =−0.305, p= 0.01, respectively) and term born controls (TC; n =15). VP children had smaller P1 than near-term ( n =12) or TC (1.70±0.17μV vs 2.68±0.41 and 2.92±0.43, respectively; p Conclusions Our data suggest a fast matura…