Evoked potentials in neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy: Review of the literature

Results of the studies on evoked potentials (EP) in neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and their technical feasibility support extensive application in neonatal intensive care units. The combined application of visual evoked potentials (VEP) and somestesic evoked potentials (SEP) is the method of choice for neurodevelopmental prognostication in full-term neonate; especially useful in cases with moderate encephalopathy; in preterm neonates EP are complementary to head ultrasound scans, particularly early on when the findings are in the process of evolution. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) are the technique of choice for early identification of sensorineural hearing loss necessitating intervention. Long term prognosis on vision and audition is based on VEP and BAEP. Studies devoted to definition of the role of EP in selection of babies and monitoring neuroprotective intervention are warranted.