Olfactory event-related potentials in infants

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs) as an objective measurement of olfactory function in infants.

Study design: OERPs to phenylethyl alcohol were measured in 13 infants, between 23 and 41 days of age. The odor was delivered with a computer-controlled olfactometer. Recording electrodes were applied using the 10-20 system. Data from electrodes Fz, Cz, Pz, C3, and C4 were analyzed by MatLab's Letswave toolbox (André Mouraux, Brussels, Belgium) using the canonical time-domain averaging as well as the time-frequency analyzing method.

Results: Ten of 13 infants finished the recording session. We observed OERPs in 7 of these 10 infants. Recordings were best in electrodes Fz and Cz. The N1 peak was visible at 328 ms followed by P2 at 505 ms. In addition, the time-frequency analysis had an increase in low frequencies (4-7 Hz) around 550 ms after odor presentation.

Conclusions: We were able to record OERPs in infants. The time-domain averaging as well as the time-frequency analysis was of value for data analysis.