Luíza Silva Vernier

Language in Children with Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Introduction Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE) is a common neurologic injury, and it may compromise the childs language and cognition. Understanding the process of language acquisition becomes possible with concise knowledge about childrens global development. Objective The aim of this study was to observe if language acquisition and development are impaired in children with NHIE. Methods Seventy children with NHIE from 1 to 24 months old were analyzed in a Pediatric Neurology Service of Hospital of Porto Alegre, South of Brazil using the Brunet-Lezine Scale. Statistical analysis used SPSS 13.0 software. Results Twenty-four (60%) of the subjects were boys, with mean gestational age of 35.8 weeks (standard deviation of 4.6) and mean Apgar score of 6.0 at 1 minute and 7.1 at 5 minutes. The variables age versus language showed significant inverse correlation (r =  − 0.566; p = 0.028). As the subjects aged, language tasks became more specific and dependent on the subjects direct action, rather than the subjective interpretation of their guardian. This correlation seems to be closely associated with scale configuration and with consequences of neurologic disorder, evincing the delays in language development. Conclusion This study achieved the goals proposed and highlights the necessity of greater attention by professionals to language skills during the initial period of child development.

Parameters for Applying the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential with Speech Stimulus: Systematic Review

Introduction  Studies using the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential with speech stimulus are increasing in Brazil, and there are divergences between the methodologies used for testing. Objectives  To analyze the parameters used in the study of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials with speech stimulus. Data Synthesis  The survey was performed using electronic databases. The search strategy was as follows: “Evoked potentials, auditory” OR “Brain stem” OR “Evoked potentials, auditory, brain stem” AND “Speech.” The survey was performed from June to July of 2016. The criteria used for including articles in this study were: being written in Portuguese, English or Spanish; presenting the description of the testing parameters and the description of the sample. In the databases selected, 2,384 articles were found, and 43 articles met all of the inclusion criteria. The predominance of the following parameters was observed to achieve the potential during study: stimulation with the syllable /da/; monaural presentation with greater use of the right ear; intensity of 80 dB SPL; vertical placement of electrodes; use of in-ear headphones; patient seated, distracted in awake state; alternating polarity; use of speech synthesizer software for the elaboration of stimuli; presentation rate of 10.9/s; and sampling rate of 20 kHz. Conclusions  The theme addressed in this systematic review is relatively recent. However, the results are significant enough to encourage the use of the procedure in clinical practice and advise clinicians about the most used procedures in each parameter.