Multiple animal studies have raised concerns about the effects of anesthesia in children undergoing surgery, according to a Modern Medicine report.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that exposure of seven-day-old rats to commonly used anesthetic agents resulted in widespread neurodegeneration and learning deficits. The rats received one dose of midazolam and were exposed for six hours to oxygen, nitrous oxide, and isoflurane. The negative side effects were not observed in older rats that received the same anesthetic.
Thus far, similar studies on humans have been inconclusive. However, a higher incidence of learning disabilities has been found in children under age four who have had multiple anesthetics, said Constance S. Houck, MD, senior associate in perioperative anesthesia at Children's Hospital Boston. It is unclear if this is due to the anesthetic or other underlying medical issues that required the multiple surgeries. But without definitive studies suggesting an alternative to general anesthesia, no changes in practice are currently proposed, Dr. Houck said.
Anesthesiologist Named Chair of Pediatrics at Cohen Children's Medical Center
Two Anesthesiologists Selected to Lead St. Joseph Medical Center Anesthesia Department
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that exposure of seven-day-old rats to commonly used anesthetic agents resulted in widespread neurodegeneration and learning deficits. The rats received one dose of midazolam and were exposed for six hours to oxygen, nitrous oxide, and isoflurane. The negative side effects were not observed in older rats that received the same anesthetic.
Thus far, similar studies on humans have been inconclusive. However, a higher incidence of learning disabilities has been found in children under age four who have had multiple anesthetics, said Constance S. Houck, MD, senior associate in perioperative anesthesia at Children's Hospital Boston. It is unclear if this is due to the anesthetic or other underlying medical issues that required the multiple surgeries. But without definitive studies suggesting an alternative to general anesthesia, no changes in practice are currently proposed, Dr. Houck said.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
U.S. Anesthetics Market to be Worth $7B by 2015Anesthesiologist Named Chair of Pediatrics at Cohen Children's Medical Center
Two Anesthesiologists Selected to Lead St. Joseph Medical Center Anesthesia Department