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More Evidence of Anesthetic Neurotoxicity

March 5, 2015 7:00 am

One of the more troubling commentaries that I read recently (Rappaport BA et al NEJM 2015; 372: 796-97) provides additional insight into the issue of anesthetic neurotoxicity.

The possibility that anesthetic agents could result in learning disabilities and other neurologic impairments is not new (Pediatrics 2011); however, the data has become more concerning.

Key points:

• “Compelling evidence from animal models is supported by a small number of observational studies in children who underwent anesthesia early in life.” Exposure to multiple (but not single) episodes of anesthesia and surgery were associated with increased risk of learning disabilities.
• Anesthetics which have been implicated include propofol, ketamine, sevoflurane, etomidate, desflurane, and isoflurane.  Histologic changes, in animal models, have included apoptosis and cell death, changes in neuronal morphology, and decreased number of synapses.
• “In June 2014, SmartTots convened a meeting…the participants concluded that the current data from animal studies are now sufficiently convincing that large-scale clinical studies are warranted.” SmartTots Consensus Statement
• “Care providers should be made aware of the potential risks that anesthetics pose to the developing brain…and parents should consider how urgently surgery is needed, particularly in children under 3 years of age.”

Take-home message:  While recognizing that confounding variables make it difficult to be certain, it appears that anesthetics (particularly prolonged or repeated courses) can result in neurologic changes.  There is enough information available to recommend avoiding truly elective procedures which require anesthetics in young children.

Posted by gutsandgrowth

Categories: Pediatrics

Tags: American Academy of Pediatrics, anesthesia, etomidate, learning disability, proposal, sevoflurane, SmartTots

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