Persistent fetal circulation. Neurodevelopmental outcome
E. J. Sell, J. A. Gaines, C. Gluckman and E. Williams
Forty children who had persistent fetal circulation (PFC) were followed up
for one to four years. At the most recent examination, 16 (40%) were
normal, eight (20%) had neurosensory hearing loss, three (7.5%) were
profoundly impaired, six (15.0%) had suspect or abnormal results of
neurologic examinations exclusive of hearing loss, three (7.5%) had speech
impairment and normal hearing, and one had a delay in motor development.
The remaining three had clinically suspect speech. Neurosensory hearing
loss correlated only with having a mother with insulin-dependent diabetes,
hand-to-mouth facility on the Brazelton scale, and eight-month neurologic
status. Earlier diagnosis of hearing loss may be facilitated by testing of
neonatal auditory behavioral responses, neurologic status at eight months,
and by attention to parental concern about abnormal speech development.
Neonatal and infancy auditory screening are recommended in children who
have PFC in the neonatal period.
