To observe the developmental maturation of brainstem auditory evoked potential(BAEP) for neonates by obtaining the normative data of each BAEP component in our own electrophysiological laboratory.

We reviewed 129 BAEP recordings in neonates ranging in gestational age from 33 weeks to 44 weeks. The BAEP recording were analyzed into latency(wave I,III,V), interpeak latency(I-III,III-V,I-V) and amplitude ratio(I/V) at 75dB sensation level clicks according to gestational age.

The latencies of each BAEP component decreased with maturation. Interpeak latency of waveI-V(central conduction time)also decreased with increasing age during 33-40 weeks of gestational age.

These results provided the concept of abnormal in neonatal BAEPs and opportunity of functional evaluation about the auditory or brainstem maturation in pathologic conditions.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of cord blood levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in preterm infants with maternal preeclampsia.

Thirty six preterm infants born at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital from January 2006 to August 2006 were studied after prior parental consent at mid-pregnancy. sFlt-1, PlGF, and VEGF levels in the cord blood of preterm neonate, with or without maternal preeclampsia, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

There was no difference in sFlt-1 between infants with and without maternal preeclampsia. Infants with maternal preeclampsia had significantly lower PlGF levels (P=0.035) and higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (P=0.080) with borderline significance. Cord blood VEGF levels were not related to maternal preeclampsia. Infants with maternal preeclampsia had lower birth weight (P=0.030), lower neonatal platelet count without statistical significance (P=0.064) and more likely to be small for gestational age (P=0.057). Neonatal platelet count was significantly correlated with cord blood PlGF levels (r=0.674, P=0.032).

Increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and decreased PlGF may not only be related to the pathophysiology of maternal preeclampsia but also affect the neonatal platelet count and birth weight.