An Assessment of the Effects of General Anesthetics on Developing Brain Structure and Neurocognitive Function

Zona incerta mediates early life isoflurane-induced fear memory deficits

The potential long-term effects of anesthesia on cognitive development, especially in neonates and infants, have raised concerns. However, our understanding of its underlying mechanisms and effective treatments is still limited. In this study, we found that early exposure to isoflurane (ISO) impaired fear memory retrieval, which was reversed by dexmedetomidine (DEX) pre-treatment. Measurement of c-fos expression revealed that ISO exposure significantly increased neuronal activation in the zona incerta (ZI). Fiber photometry recording showed that ZI neurons from ISO mice displayed enhanced calcium activity during retrieval of fear memory compared to the control group, while DEX treatment reduced this enhanced calcium activity. Chemogenetic inhibition of ZI neurons effectively rescued the impairments caused by ISO exposure. These findings suggest that the ZI may play a pivotal role in mediating the cognitive effects of anesthetics, offering a potential therapeutic target for preventing anesthesia-related cognitive impairments.

Behavioural disorders after prenatal exposure to anaesthesia for maternal surgery

BACKGROUND

The association between prenatal exposure to general anaesthesia for maternal surgery during pregnancy and subsequent risk of disruptive or internalising behavioural disorder diagnosis in the child has not been well-defined.

METHODS

A nationwide sample of pregnant women linked to their liveborn infants was evaluated using the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX, 1999-2013). Multivariate matching was used to match each child prenatally exposed to general anaesthesia owing to maternal appendectomy or cholecystectomy during pregnancy with five unexposed children. The primary outcome was diagnosis of a disruptive or internalising behavioural disorder in children. Secondary outcomes included diagnoses for a range of other neuropsychiatric disorders.

RESULTS

We matched 34,271 prenatally exposed children with 171,355 unexposed children in the database. Prenatally exposed children were more likely than unexposed children to receive a diagnosis of a disruptive or internalising behavioural disorder (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.40). For secondary outcomes, increased hazards of disruptive (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.24-1.41) and internalising (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.20-1.53) behavioural disorders were identified, and also increased hazards of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.22-1.43), behavioural disorders (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14-1.42), developmental speech or language disorders (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.28), and autism (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.05-1.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal exposure to general anaesthesia is associated with a 31% increased risk for a subsequent diagnosis of a disruptive or internalising behavioural disorder in children. Caution is advised when making any clinical decisions regarding care of pregnant women, as avoidance of necessary surgery during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on mothers and their children.

Ethical Principles Do Not Support Mandatory Preanesthesia Pregnancy Screening Tests: A Narrative Review

Respect for patient autonomy is a pillar of medical ethics, manifested predominantly through informed consent. Mandatory (routine) nonconsented preoperative urine pregnancy testing does not adequately respect patient autonomy, is potentially coercive, and has the potential to cause harm medically, psychologically, socially, and financially. Inaccuracies in pregnancy testing can result in false-positive and false-negative results, especially in early pregnancy. There is substantial scientific evidence that anesthesia is not harmful to the fetus, raising the question of whether pregnancy testing provides substantial benefit to the patient. Not performing a preanesthesia pregnancy test has not been associated with significant medicolegal consequences. We review the ethical implications of mandatory preanesthesia pregnancy testing in light of these facts.

Global Trends and Hotspots in Pediatric Anesthetic Neurotoxicity Research: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2000 to 2023

The impact of general anesthetics on brain function development is one of the top frontier issues of public concern. However, little bibliometric analysis has investigated this territory systematically. Our study aimed to visualize the publications between 2000 and 2023 to inspire the trends and hotspots in anesthetic neurodevelopmental toxicity research. Publications from 2000 to 2023 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace was utilized to plot and analyze the network maps of countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords associated with these publications. A total of 864 publications, consisting of 786 original articles and 78 reviews, were extracted from 2000 to 2023. The annual publications have increased constantly over the past two decades. The USA and the People's Republic of China were the leading driving forces in this field. Harvard University was the most productive institution. Zhang Y published the most related articles, and Jevtovic-Todorovic V was mostly cited in this field. The most prolific journal was Pediatric Anesthesia, and the most frequently co-cited journal was Anesthesiology. Keywords were divided into nine clusters: "apoptosis", "propofol", "developing brain", "cognitive dysfunction", "neuronal cell degeneration", "brain", "neuroinflammation", "local anesthesia", and "oxygen therapy". The strongest citation bursts in earlier years were "learning disability", "cell death", and "cognitive function". The emerging trends in the coming years were "awake regional anesthesia", "behavioral outcome", and "infancy general anesthesia compared to spinal anesthesia". We conclude that anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity has received growing attention in the past two decades. Our findings evaluated the present status and research trends in this area, which may provide help for exploring further potential prospects on hot topics and frontiers.

Toll-Like Receptor 4 Deficiency Ameliorates Propofol-Induced Impairments of Cognitive Function and Synaptic Plasticity in Young Mice

Propofol is one of the most used intravenous anesthetic agents, which is widely used in clinical anesthesia induction and maintenance of pediatric patients. Exposure of the developing brain to propofol has been reported to lead to adverse brain changes, which in turn can induce persistent behavioral abnormalities in adulthood. However, the mechanisms by which propofol exposure in the developing brain induces cognitive impairment remain unclear. Here we report that repeated propofol exposure during the second postnatal week impairs spatial learning and memory in young mice. The reduced excitatory synaptic function and synaptogenesis in hippocampal CA1 neurons underlie this cognitive impairment. Propofol exposure specifically activates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF-κB signaling pathway. TLR4 deficiency recues propofol exposure-induced synaptic function and cognitive deficits in young mice. Thus, we provide evidence that the activation of the TLR4-mediated pathway by propofol exposure may serve as a crucial trigger for the cognitive impairment in young adulthood caused by repeated exposure to propofol in the developing brain.

Anaesthesia-induced Changes in Genomic Expression Leading to Neurodegeneration

General anaesthetics (GA) have been in continuous clinical use for more than 170 years, with millions of young and elderly populations exposed to GA to relieve perioperative discomfort and carry out invasive examinations. Preclinical studies have shown that neonatal rodents with acute and chronic exposure to GA suffer from memory and learning deficits, likely due to an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, which has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the mechanisms behind anaesthesia-induced alterations in late postnatal mice have yet to be established. In this narrative review, we present the current state of knowledge on early life anaesthesia exposure-mediated alterations of genetic expression, focusing on insights gathered on propofol, ketamine, and isoflurane, as well as the relationship between network effects and subsequent biochemical changes that lead to long-term neurocognitive abnormalities. Our review provides strong evidence and a clear picture of anaesthetic agents' pathological events and associated transcriptional changes, which will provide new insights for researchers to elucidate the core ideas and gain an in-depth understanding of molecular and genetic mechanisms. These findings are also helpful in generating more evidence for understanding the exacerbated neuropathology, impaired cognition, and LTP due to acute and chronic exposure to anaesthetics, which will be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of many diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Given the many procedures in medical practice that require continuous or multiple exposures to anaesthetics, our review will provide great insight into the possible adverse impact of these substances on the human brain and cognition.

The involvement of the gut microbiota in postoperative cognitive dysfunction based on integrated metagenomic and metabolomics analysis

IMPORTANCE

As the population ages and medical technology advances, anesthesia procedures for elderly patients are becoming more common, leading to an increased prevalence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. However, the etiology and correlation between the gut microbiota and cognitive dysfunction are poorly understood, and research in this area is limited. In this study, mice with postoperative cognitive dysfunction were found to have reduced levels of fatty acid production and anti-inflammatory flora in the gut, and Bacteroides was associated with increased depression, leading to cognitive dysfunction and depression. Furthermore, more specific microbial species were identified in the disease model, suggesting that modulation of host metabolism through gut microbes may be a potential avenue for preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Pediatric Neurocritical Care: Maximizing Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Through Specialty Care

The field of pediatric neurocritical care (PNCC) has expanded and evolved over the last three decades. As mortality from pediatric critical care illness has declined, morbidity from neurodevelopmental disorders has expanded. PNCC clinicians have adopted a multidisciplinary approach to rapidly identify neurological injury, implement neuroprotective therapies, minimize secondary neurological insults, and establish transitions of care, all with the goal of improving neurocognitive outcomes for their patients. Although there are many aspects of PNCC and adult neurocritical care (NCC) medicine that are similar, elemental difference between adult and pediatric medicine has contributed to a divergent evolution of the respective fields. The low incidence of pediatric critical care illness, the heterogeneity of neurological insults, and the limited availability of resources all shape the need for a PNCC clinical care model that is distinct from the established paradigm adopted by the adult neurocritical care community at large. Considerations of neurodevelopment are fundamental in pediatrics. When neurological injury occurs in a child, the neurodevelopmental stage at the time of insult alters the impact of the neurological disease. Developmental variables contribute to a range of outcomes for seemingly similar injuries. Despite the relative infancy of the field of PNCC, early reports have shown that implementation of a specialized PNCC service elevates the quality and safety of care, promotes education and communication, and improves outcomes for children with acute neurological injuries. The multidisciplinary approach of PNCC clinicians and researchers also promotes a culture that emphasizes the importance of quality improvement and education initiatives, as well as development of and adherence to evidence-based guidelines and family-focused care models.

Whole-brain characterization of apoptosis after sevoflurane anesthesia reveals neuronal cell death patterns in the mouse neonatal neocortex

In the last two decades, safety concerns about general anesthesia (GA) arose from studies documenting brain cell death in various pharmacological conditions and animal models. Nowadays, a thorough characterization of sevoflurane-induced apoptosis in the entire neonatal mouse brain would help identify and further focus on underlying mechanisms. We performed whole-brain mapping of sevoflurane-induced apoptosis in post-natal day (P) 7 mice using tissue clearing and immunohistochemistry. We found an anatomically heterogenous increase in cleaved-caspase-3 staining. The use of a novel P7 brain atlas showed that the neocortex was the most affected area, followed by the striatum and the metencephalon. Histological characterization in cortical slices determined that post-mitotic neurons were the most affected cell type and followed inter- and intracortical gradients with maximal apoptosis in the superficial layers of the posterodorsal cortex. The unbiased anatomical mapping used here allowed us to confirm sevoflurane-induced apoptosis in the perinatal period, neocortical involvement, and indicated striatal and metencephalic damage while suggesting moderate hippocampal one. The identification of neocortical gradients is consistent with a maturity-dependent mechanism. Further research could then focus on the interference of sevoflurane with neuronal migration and survival during development.

Pain and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born very preterm

AIM

To investigate the impact of the level of pain experienced by infants born preterm on neurodevelopmental outcomes during their stay in a neonatal intensive care unit.

METHOD

In this retrospective data analysis we included all surviving infants born preterm with a gestational age between 23 and 32 weeks from 2011 to 2015, who were assessed using the Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale and examined at 1 year of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. We excluded all infants who had suffered severe neurological morbidities and undergone surgical interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 196 infants born preterm were included in the analyses: 105 in the 'no pain group' and 91 in the 'pain group'. Significant differences between the groups were detected for both mental and motor development (p = 0.003, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.23-10.92; p = 0.025, 95% CI 0.64-9.78). The results remained significant after controlling for other important medical conditions (p = 0.001, 95% CI -19.65 to -5.40; p = 0.010, 95% CI -16.18 to -2.29).

INTERPRETATION

Neonatal pain exposure was associated with altered neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born very preterm at a corrected age of 12 months. This observation highlights the importance of adequate pain management to reduce the risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in these vulnerable patients.

Detection of increased intracranial pressure in trans-oral robotic thyroidectomy using optic nerve sheath diameter measurement

BACKGROUND

During transoral robot-assisted thyroidectomy, there is a risk of increasing intracranial pressure because the site of CO₂ insufflation is narrow and close to the brain.

METHODS

We analyzed the pre- to post-CO₂ neck insufflation change in the optic nerve sheath diameter during transoral robot-assisted thyroidectomy. Changes in vital-signs, airway pressure, and arterial carbon dioxide pressure were analyzed along with postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Among the 30 participants, the post-CO₂ inflation mean optic nerve sheath diameter (5.64 ± 0.54 mm) was higher than the pre-induction diameter (4.81 ± 0.37 mm) with a mean difference of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.69-0.97; p < 0.001), but returned to baseline after CO₂ deflation in most cases. One participant had sustained increased optic nerve sheath diameter (6.35 mm) associated with severe new-onset postoperative headache.

CONCLUSION

Transient elevation in the intracranial pressure during low-pressure CO₂ neck insufflation in the transoral robot-assisted thyroidectomy did not appear to adversely affect patients.

Long-term neurocognitive outcomes after pediatric intensive care: exploring the role of drug exposure

BACKGROUND

Concerns exist regarding the impact of widely used clinical drugs on brain development. This study investigates long-term neurocognitive functioning in relation to frequently used drug exposure at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

METHODS

This study compared children aged 6-12 years with previous PICU admission (age ≤1 year) for bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation (patient group, n = 65) to a demographically comparable control group (n = 76) on a broad range of neurocognitive outcomes. The patient group was selected because bronchiolitis seldom manifests neurologically and is therefore not expected to affect neurocognitive functioning in itself. The relation between exposure to sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics and neurocognitive outcomes was assessed by regression analyses.

RESULTS

The patient group had lower intelligence than the control group (p < 0.001, d = -0.59) and poorer performance in neurocognitive functions; i.e., speed and attention (p = 0.03, d = -0.41) and verbal memory (p < 0.001, d = -0.60). Exposure to sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics was not related to neurocognitive outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with PICU admission for bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation are at risk of adverse neurocognitive outcomes. This study found no evidence for a role of exposure to sedatives, analgesics or anesthetics. Findings underline the importance of long-term follow-up after PICU admission, even in the absence of disease with neurological manifestation.

IMPACT

Animal studies have indicated that exposing the maturing brain to clinical drugs may cause neurodegeneration. Clinical studies show mixed evidence regarding the association between clinical drugs and neurocognitive outcomes. This study provides evidence for considerably lower neurocognitive functioning among children with a history of PICU admission for bronchiolitis compared to healthy peers. Bronchiolitis seldom manifests neurologically and is therefore not expected to affect neurocognitive functioning in itself. We found no evidence supporting a relation between drug exposure (i.e., sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics) and long-term neurocognitive outcomes. Findings underline the importance of structured follow-up after PICU admission.

Effect of preconditioning on propofol-induced neurotoxicity during the developmental period

At therapeutic concentrations, propofol (PPF), an anesthetic agent, significantly elevates intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2 +]i) and induces neural death during the developmental period. Preconditioning enables specialized tissues to tolerate major insults better compared with tissues that have already been exposed to sublethal insults. Here, we investigated whether the neurotoxicity induced by clinical concentrations of PPF could be alleviated by prior exposure to sublethal amounts of PPF. Cortical neurons from embryonic day (E) 17 Wistar rat fetuses were cultured in vitro, and on day in vitro (DIV) 2, the cells were preconditioned by exposure to PPF (PPF-PC) at either 100 nM or 1 μM for 24 h. For morphological observations, cells were exposed to clinical concentrations of PPF (10 μM or 100 μM) for 24 h and the survival ratio (SR) was calculated. Calcium imaging revealed significant PPF-induced [Ca2+]i elevation in cells on DIV 4 regardless of PPF-PC. Additionally, PPF-PC did not alleviate neural cell death induced by PPF under any condition. Our findings indicate that PPF-PC does not alleviate PPF-induced neurotoxicity during the developmental period.

Advantages of ketamine in pediatric anesthesia

Although ketamine is primarily used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, it also presents sedative, amnestic, anesthetics, analgesic, antihyperalgesia, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulant, and antidepressant effects. Its unique pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties allow the use of ketamine in various clinical settings including sedation, ambulatory anesthesia, and intensive care practices. It has also adopted to manage acute and chronic pain management. Clinically, ketamine produces dissociative sedation, analgesia, and amnesia while maintaining laryngeal reflexes, with respiratory and cardiovascular stability. Notably, it does not cause respiratory depression, maintaining both the hypercapnic reflex and the residual functional capacity with a moderate bronchodilation effect. In the pediatric population, ketamine can be administered through practically all routes, making it an advantageous drug for the sedation required setting such as placement of difficult vascular access and in uncooperative and oppositional children. Consequently, ketamine is indicated in prehospital induction of anesthesia, induction of anesthesia in potentially hemodynamic unstable patients, and in patients at risk of bronchospasm. Even more, ketamine does not increase intracranial pressure, and it can be safely used also in patients with traumatic brain injuries. This article is aimed to provide a brief and practical summary of the role of ketamine in the pediatric field.

Initial surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis: a meta-analysis of peritoneal drainage versus laparotomy

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and the optimal intervention remains uncertain. To compare the mortality of primary peritoneal drainage versus primary peritoneal laparotomy as initial surgical intervention for NEC. All data were extracted from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies published up to December 2021. Patients with NEC. Studies centered on primary peritoneal drainage and primary peritoneal laparotomy as the initial surgical treatment. Mortality outcomes were available for both interventions. Randomized controlled trials, retrospective cohort studies, and case series in peer-reviewed journals. Language limited to English. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to evaluate mortality outcome. Subgroup analyses and linear regression were performed to ascertain the association between mortality pre-specified factors. Data of 1062 patients received peritoneal drainage and 2185 patients received peritoneal laparotomy from five case series, five retrospective cohort studies, and three randomized controlled trials. Peritoneal drainage caused similar mortality (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.99-2.26) compared with peritoneal laparotomy as initial surgical management for NEC infants. The subgroup analysis of study design, sample size, birth weight, and sex showed similar findings, but inconsistent results were found for country (USA: 1.47, 95% CI 0.90-2.41; Canada: 2.53, 95% CI 0.30-21.48; Australia: 10.29, 95% CI 1.03-102.75; Turkey: 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.63) and gestational age (age mean difference < 3: 1.23, 95% CI 0.72-2.11; age mean difference ≥ 3: 2.29, 95% CI 1.04-5.05). No statistically significance was found for the linear regression between mortality and sample size (P = 0.842), gestational age (P = 0.287), birth weight (P = 0.257), sex (P = 0.6). Small sample size, high heterogeneity, NEC, and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) had to be analyzed together, lack of selection criteria for the future selection of an intervention, and no clear, standardized procedures.   Conclusion: There was no significant difference in mortality between peritoneal drainage and laparotomy as initial surgical intervention. The results suggest that either intervention could be used in selected patients. What is Known: • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and the optimal intervention remains uncertain. What is New: • No significant difference of mortality between peritoneal drainage and laparotomy as initial surgical intervention.

Long Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes after Sevoflurane Neonatal Exposure of Extremely Preterm Children: A Cross-Sectional Observationnal Study

Sevoflurane, a volatile anesthetic, is used when extremely preterm neonates (EPT) undergo painful procedures. Currently, no existing studies analyze sevoflurane’s long-term effects during the EPT’s immediate neonatal period. Our primary objective was to compare the EPT’s neurocognitive development regardless of any sevoflurane exposure prior to 45 weeks corrected gestational age (GA). We analyzed those live discharges, less than 28 weeks GA, who were either exposed, unexposed, and/or multiply exposed to sevoflurane before 45 weeks GA. All data were obtained from a cross-sectional multicenter study (GPQoL study, NCT01675726). Children, both exposed and non-exposed to sevoflurane, were sampled using a propensity-guided approach. Neurological examinations (Touwen), cognitive and executive functions (WISC IV, NEPSY, Rey figure), and assessments when the children were between 7 and 10 years old, were correlated to their neonatal sevoflurane exposure. There were 139 children in the study. The mean gestational age was 26.2 weeks (±0.8) GA and the mean birth weight was 898 g (±173). The mean age of their evaluation was 8.47 years old (±0.70). Exposure to sevoflurane to the mean corrected age 27.10 (3.37) weeks GA had a significant correlation with cerebral palsy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 6.70 (CI 95%: 1.84–32.11)) and other major disorders (cerebral palsy and/or severe cognitive retardation) (aOR: 2.81 [95% CI: 1.13–7.35]). Our results demonstrate the possibility of long-term effects on EPT infants who had a sevoflurane exposure before 45 weeks corrected GA. However, these results will require further confirmation by randomized controlled trials.

Risk factors for intracranial aneurysm rupture in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture in pediatric patients is a rare but fatal condition. Although risk factors for aneurysm rupture in adults have been well documented, they remain unknown in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Data for 94 pediatric patients with IAs were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into ruptured and unruptured groups. Risk factors for aneurysm rupture were analyzed through univariable and multiple logistic regression analyses. Typical patients with risk factors were described.

RESULTS

Univariable analyses showed that the unruptured group had significantly higher percentages of giant aneurysms (43.2% vs 12.3%, P = 0.002), wide-neck aneurysms (67.6% vs 29.8%, P = 0.001), and aneurysms located in the internal carotid artery (40.5% vs 3.5%, P < 0.001), while the ruptured group had significantly higher percentages of patients younger than 5 years old (28.1% vs 5.4%, P = 0.013) and aneurysms located in the anterior cerebral artery (24.6% vs 5.4%, P = 0.032), posterior cerebral artery (14.0% vs 0%, P = 0.045), and distal arterial region (DAR) (46.8% vs 27.0%, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that age 0-5 years (OR = 6.844, P = 0.042) and IAs located in the DAR (OR = 4.162, P = 0.029) were independently related to an increased risk of rupture. Wide-necked aneurysms (OR = 0.235, P = 0.047) were independently associated with a lower risk of rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

Among pediatric patients, age younger than 5 years and lesions located in the DAR are independent risk factors for IA rupture, while an IA with a wide neck acts as a protective factor.

A retrospective study of electroencephalography burst suppression in children undergoing general anesthesia

IMPORTANCE

In children, anesthesia dosages are based on population pharmacokinetics and patient hemodynamics rather than patient-specific brain activity. Brain function is highly susceptible to the effects of anesthetics.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this retrospective pilot study was to assess the prevalence of electroencephalography (EEG) burst suppression-a sign of deep anesthesia-in children undergoing general anesthesia.

METHODS

We analyzed EEG in patients aged 1-36 months who received sevoflurane or propofol as the primary anesthetic. Patient enrollment was stratified into two age groups: 1-12 months and 13-36 months. Burst suppression (voltage ≤ 5.0 mV, lasting > 0.5 seconds) was characterized by occurrence over anesthesia time. Associations with patient demographics and anesthetics were determined.

RESULTS

In total, 54 patients (33 males and 21 females) were included in the study [age 11.0 (5.0-19.5) months; weight 9.2 (6.5-11.0) kg]. The total prevalence of burst suppression was 56% (30/54). Thirty-three percent of patients experienced burst suppression during the surgical phase. The greatest proportion of burst suppression occurred during the induction phase. More burst suppression event occurrences (18/30) were observed in the patient under sevoflurane anesthesia (P = 0.024). Virtually all patients who received propofol boluses had burst suppression (P = 0.033). More burst suppression occurred in patients with hypotension (P < 0.001). During the surgical phase, a younger age was associated with more burst suppression (P = 0.002).

INTERPRETATION

EEG burst suppression was associated with younger age, inhalation anesthetics, propofol bolus, and lower arterial pressure.

Addressing Frequently Asked Questions and Dispelling Myths About Melanocytic Nevi in Children

Melanocytic nevi are congenital or acquired benign melanocytic neoplasms. The reason for the appearance of melanocytic nevi is not precisely known. Melanocytic nevi frequently occur in children, constituting a common reason for consultation in pediatric dermatology clinics. In our experience, many parents and caregivers present doubts and fears based more on popular beliefs than on data with valid scientific evidence. This review answers their frequently asked questions, such as the risk of malignancy, the importance of nevi location, the warning signs of malignant transformation, best prevention strategies, and optimal management, based on the most recent scientific evidence available.

Neonatal Curettage of Large to Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Under Local Anesthetic: A Case Series With Long-Term Follow Up

Background

Neonatal curettage of large to giant congenital melanocytic nevi (L-GCMN) is a simple, minimally invasive procedure typically performed within the first 2 weeks of life.

Objectives

To retrospectively review our experience with serial curettage of L-GCMN in the neonatal period performed under local anesthesia and their long-term outcomes.

Methods

Curettage was performed by a single pediatric dermatologist on nine neonates with L-GCMN under local anesthetic and with oral analgesia between 2002 and 2016 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively to assess patient and procedure characteristics, tolerability, safety, cosmetic and functional outcomes, and malignant transformation.

Results

Patients were treated with an average of 6 curettage sessions (range 3 to 15) to remove the majority or entirety of the nevus. All patients tolerated local anesthesia well. The most common adverse event of the procedure was transient neutropenia. Two patients developed positive bacterial cultures without clinical signs of infection, treated with antibiotics. All curetted specimens demonstrated benign pathology. Patients were followed annually thereafter, for an average of 6 years. Eight patients with L-GCMN of the trunk had minimal to partial repigmentation with good cosmetic outcome. One patient had recurrence of a facial nevus. None of the patients developed cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Conclusions

Curettage appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for select cases of L-GCMNs of the trunk. We do not recommend the procedure for face or scalp CMN. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with serial curettage to avoid potential risks of general anesthesia.

Prenatal Exposure to General Anesthesia and Childhood Behavioral Deficit

BACKGROUND

Exposure to surgery and anesthesia in early childhood has been found to be associated with an increased risk of behavioral deficits. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against prenatal exposure to anesthetic drugs, little clinical evidence exists to support this recommendation. This study evaluates the association between prenatal exposure to general anesthesia due to maternal procedures during pregnancy and neuropsychological and behavioral outcome scores at age 10.

METHODS

This is an observational cohort study of children born in Perth, Western Australia, with 2 generations of participants contributing data to the Raine Study. In the Raine Study, the first generation (Gen1) are mothers enrolled during pregnancy, and the second generation (Gen2) are the children born to these mothers from 1989 to 1992 with neuropsychological and behavioral tests at age 10 (n=2024). In the primary analysis, 6 neuropsychological and behavioral tests were evaluated at age 10: Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM), McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND), Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) with written and oral scores, Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF) with Expressive, Receptive, and Total language scores, and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) with Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total behavior scores. Outcome scores of children prenatally exposed to general anesthesia were compared to children without prenatal exposure using multivariable linear regression models adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates (sex, race, income, and maternal education, alcohol or tobacco use, and clinical diagnoses: diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, or thyroid dysfunction). Bonferroni adjustment was used for the 6 independent tests in the primary analysis, so a corrected P value <.0083 (P = .05 divided by 6 tests, or a 99.17% confidence interval [CI]) was required for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Among 2024 children with available outcome scores, 22 (1.1%) were prenatally exposed to general anesthesia. Prenatally exposed children had higher CBCL Externalizing behavioral scores (score difference of 6.1 [99.17% CI, 0.2-12.0]; P = .006) than unexposed children. Of 6 tests including 11 scores and subscores, only CBCL Externalizing behavioral scores remained significant after multiple comparisons adjustment with no significant differences found in any other score.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal exposure to general anesthetics is associated with increased externalizing behavioral problems in childhood. However, given the limitations of this study and that avoiding necessary surgery during pregnancy can have significant detrimental effects on the mother and the child, further studies are needed before changes to clinical practice are made.

Head circumference in infants undergoing Foker process for long-gap esophageal atresia repair: Call for attention

INTRODUCTION

We extended our pilot study in infants following long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) repair to report head circumference, an easily obtainable indirect measure of brain size. Data are presented in the context of previously reported body weight and T2-weighted MRI measures of intracranial and brain volumes.

METHODS

Clinical information and head circumference were obtained for term-born (n = 13) and premature (n = 13) infants following LGEA repair with Foker process, as well as healthy term-born controls (n = 20) <1-year corrected age who underwent non-sedated research MRI. General Linear Model univariate analysis with corrected age at scan as a covariate and Bonferroni adjusted p values assessed group differences.

RESULTS

We report no difference in head circumference between the three groups. Such findings paralleled trends in body weight and total intracranial volume but not in brain volume as previously reported for the same pilot cohort.

DISCUSSION

Results suggest uncompromised somatic and head growth after repair of LGEA. In contrast, a novel finding of discrepancy between head circumference (novel data) and brain size (previously published data) in the same cohort suggests that head circumference might not be the best indirect measure of brain size in selected group of patients.

An Investigation of the Long and Short Term Behavioral Effects of General Anesthesia on Pediatric Dental Patients With Autism

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of short and long term adverse behavioral effects of general anesthesia (GA) in healthy vs. moderate to severe autistic (ASD) children.

Methods: Forty healthy and 37 ASD children, aged 3–17 years, undergoing GA for dental surgery participated in this study. Their anesthesia records were reviewed, and their parents answered telephone surveys to assess activity level, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal disturbances, central nervous system effects, and respiratory depression. Three follow-up surveys were taken 8 h, 24 h, and 3 months post-surgery.

Results: Four hundred fifty-five incidences of adverse behavioral effects occurred within 8 h post-surgery. Significantly more ASD patients had difficulty walking (P = 0.016) and nausea (P = 0.030), while more healthy children snored in the car ride home (P = 0.036) and talked about the dental surgery (P = 0.027). Three months post-discharge, sixASD patients acted in a way that concerned caregivers compared to 0 healthy patients, (P = 0.008). Incidence of adverse behavioral effects significantly decreased from 8 to 24 h overall.

Conclusions: Most behavioral effects occur within 8 h post-surgery. There are potential long term adverse behavioral effects in ASD children from GA, but the chance is low and generally not long lasting.

Emerging Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders and Anesthetic-Induced Developmental Neurotoxicity

Preclinical investigations in animal models have consistently demonstrated neurobiological changes and life-long cognitive deficits following exposure to widely used anesthetics early in life. However, the mechanisms by which these exposures affect brain function remain poorly understood, therefore, limiting the efficacy of current diagnostic and therapeutic options in human studies. The human brain exhibits an abundant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). These biologically active transcripts play critical roles in a diverse array of functions, including epigenetic regulation. Changes in lncRNA expression have been linked with brain development, normal CNS processes, brain injuries, and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, and many lncRNAs are known to have brain-specific expression. Aberrant lncRNA expression has also been implicated in areas of growing importance in anesthesia-related research, including anesthetic-induced developmental neurotoxicity (AIDN), a condition defined by neurological changes occurring in patients repeatedly exposed to anesthesia, and the related condition of perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND). In this review, we detail recent advances in PND and AIDN research and summarize the evidence supporting roles for lncRNAs in the brain under both normal and pathologic conditions. We also discuss lncRNAs that have been linked with PND and AIDN, and conclude with a discussion of the clinical potential for lncRNAs to serve as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the prevention of these neurocognitive disorders and the challenges facing the identification and characterization of associated lncRNAs.

Early Isoflurane Exposure Impairs Synaptic Development in Fmr1 KO Mice via the mTOR Pathway

General anesthetics (GAs) may cause disruptions in brain development, and the effect of GA exposure in the setting of pre-existing neurodevelopmental disease is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that synaptic development is more vulnerable to GA-induced deficits in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome than in WT mice and asked whether they were related to the mTOR pathway, a signaling system implicated in both anesthesia toxicity and fragile X syndrome. Early postnatal WT and Fmr1-KO mice were exposed to isoflurane and brain slices were collected in adulthood. Primary neuron cultures isolated from WT and Fmr1-KO mice were exposed to isoflurane during development, in some cases treated with rapamycin, and processed for immunohistochemistry at maturity. Quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy was conducted for synaptic markers and markers of mTOR pathway activity. Isoflurane exposure caused reduction in Synpasin-1, PSD-95, and Gephyrin puncta that was significantly lower in Fmr1-KO mice than in WT mice. Similar results were found in cell culture, where synapse loss was ameliorated with rapamycin treatment. Early developmental exposure to isoflurane causes more profound synapse loss in Fmr1- KO than WT mice, and this effect is mediated by a pathologic increase in mTOR pathway activity.

Comparison of General, Epidural, and Spinal Anesthesia in Laparoscopic TEP (Total Extraperitoneal Repair) for Inguinal Hernia

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) is one of the most preferred minimally invasive methods for inguinal hernia repair. In our study, we aimed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of general anesthesia (GA), spinal anesthesia (SA), and epidural anesthesia (EA) for TEP operations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study involving 221 patients who underwent TEP surgery for inguinal hernia between January 2018 and July 2020. Patients were divided into 3 groups as GA (n=77), SA (n=70), and EA (n=74). Demographic data of the patients, duration of anesthesia and surgery, perioperative and postoperative complications, postoperative pain, anatomical delineation, hospital stay and quality of life were evaluated.

RESULTS

Anesthesia time was the longest in the EA group (23.1±2.32 min) and significantly prolonged the operation time (P<0.001). When the visual analog scale scores were compared, it was observed that the patients in the GA group felt significantly more pain (P<0.001). While the rates of hypotension and headache were higher in regional anesthesia (P<0.001 and P<0.002), there was no significant difference in urinary retention, postoperative nausea/vomiting, and shoulder pain (P=0.274, 0.262, and 0.314, respectively). SA and EA groups were found to be superior compared with the GA group in terms of patient satisfaction (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Regional anesthesia (SA and EA) can be safely performed in TEP surgeries, gives results similar to the anatomical delineation satisfactory and complication rates of GA, and results in less postoperative pain.

Transcriptomic response of brain tissue to focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption depends strongly on anesthesia

Focused ultrasound (FUS) mediated blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) targets the delivery of systemically-administered therapeutics to the central nervous system. Preclinical investigations of BBBD have been performed on different anesthetic backgrounds; however, the influence of the choice of anesthetic on the molecular response to BBBD is unknown, despite its potential to critically affect interpretation of experimental therapeutic outcomes. Here, using bulk RNA sequencing, we comprehensively examined the transcriptomic response of both normal brain tissue and brain tissue exposed to FUS-induced BBBD in mice anesthetized with either isoflurane with medical air (Iso) or ketamine/dexmedetomidine (KD). In normal murine brain tissue, Iso alone elicited minimal differential gene expression (DGE) and repressed pathways associated with neuronal signaling. KD alone, however, led to massive DGE and enrichment of pathways associated with protein synthesis. In brain tissue exposed to BBBD (1 MHz, 0.5 Hz pulse repetition frequency, 0.4 MPa peak-negative pressure), we systematically evaluated the relative effects of anesthesia, microbubbles, and FUS on the transcriptome. Of particular interest, we observed that gene sets associated with sterile inflammatory responses and cell-cell junctional activity were induced by BBBD, regardless of the choice of anesthesia. Meanwhile, gene sets associated with metabolism, platelet activity, tissue repair, and signaling pathways, were differentially affected by BBBD, with a strong dependence on the anesthetic. We conclude that the underlying transcriptomic response to FUS-mediated BBBD may be powerfully influenced by anesthesia. These findings raise considerations for the translation of FUS-BBBD delivery approaches that impact, in particular, metabolism, tissue repair, and intracellular signaling.

Cleft lip/palate and educational attainment: cause, consequence or correlation? A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have found that children born with a non-syndromic orofacial cleft have lower-than-average educational attainment. Differences could be due to a genetic predisposition to low intelligence and academic performance, factors arising due to the cleft phenotype (such as social stigmatization, impaired speech/language development) or confounding by the prenatal environment. A clearer understanding of this mechanism will inform interventions to improve educational attainment in individuals born with a cleft, which could substantially improve their quality of life. We assessed evidence for the hypothesis that common variant genetic liability to non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (nsCL/P) influences educational attainment.

METHODS

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of nsCL/P with 1692 nsCL/P cases and 4259 parental and unrelated controls. Using GWAS summary statistics, we performed Linkage Disequilibrium (LD)-score regression to estimate the genetic correlation between nsCL/P, educational attainment (GWAS n = 766 345) and intelligence (GWAS n = 257 828). We used two-sample Mendelian randomization to evaluate the causal effects of genetic liability to nsCL/P on educational attainment and intelligence.

RESULTS

There was limited evidence for shared genetic aetiology or causal relationships between nsCL/P and educational attainment [genetic correlation (rg) -0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.12 to 0.01, P 0.13; MR estimate (βMR) -0.002, 95% CI -0.009 to 0.006, P 0.679) or intelligence (rg -0.04, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.04, P 0.34; βMR -0.009, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.002, P 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Common variants are unlikely to predispose individuals born with nsCL/P to low educational attainment or intelligence. This is an important first step towards understanding the aetiology of low educational attainment in this group.

Histopathological study on neuroapoptotic alterations induced by etomidate in rat hippocampus

In human, there is substantial neurogenesis in the hippocampus that is implicated in memory formation and learning. These new-born neurons can be affected by neuropathological conditions. Anesthesia and surgical procedures are associated with postoperative cognitive changes particularly, impaired memory and learning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible neurodegenerative effects of etomidate in rat hippocampus. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 250 ± 30 g were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) Etomidate group; four times 20 mg intraperitoneal injection with 1-h intervals, 2) Control group; the equal volume of normal saline, and 3) Normal group; without any intervention. 6 h after the last injection, the brains were removed and processed according to routine histological methods. TUNEL assay and toluidine blue staining were performed to evaluate neuro-histopathological changes in different regions of hippocampus. Our results showed that the number of TUNEL positive cells and dark neurons (DNs) in etomidate group were significantly higher in the CA1, CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus compared with the control and normal groups (p < 0.05). While, there was no significant difference between the various regions of hippocampus in control and normal groups. Our findings showed that etomidate can increase apoptotic cells and dark neurons induction in different regions of hippocampus mainly in DG.

Wide range of perioperative drugs and doses used in inguinal hernia repairs for premature infants

OBJECTIVE

Characterize the types and doses of commonly administered perioperative drugs in inguinal hernia (IH) repair for premature infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

In total, 112 premature infants underwent IH repair between 2010 and 2015. Twenty-one drugs were used during IH repair, with each infant receiving a median seven drugs. Acetaminophen (88%), bupivacaine (84%), cisatracurium (74%), sevoflurane (72%), and propofol (71%) were the most commonly used agents. Thirty-two infants underwent additional procedures with IH repair. Additional procedures were not associated with a higher number of perioperative drugs, however infants with additional procedures were exposed to higher cumulative doses of cisatracurium (p < 0.001) and fentanyl (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

There is wide variability in the drugs and doses used for a common surgical procedure in this population, even within a single center. Future research should focus on the safety and efficacy of the most commonly used perioperative drugs described in this study.

Total circulatory arrest as a support modality in congenital heart surgery: review and current evidence

The use of total circulatory arrest (TCA)/deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) as a support modality in congenital heart surgery is a time-tested strategy. However, with technological advances, the widespread use of this technique has decreased. Adjunctive cerebral perfusion with continuous cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) gradually has become more popular with a view to reduce the complications related to DHCA. In addition, better neuromonitoring and neuroprotective strategies have made DHCA much safer. However, the level of evidence to support the best way to protect the brain during congenital heart surgery is insufficient. This review analyzes the history, physiology, techniques of DHCA, as well as other alternative strategies like selective cerebral perfusion and presents the current available evidence.

Propofol Attenuates Isoflurane-Induced Neurotoxicity and Cognitive Impairment in Fetal and Offspring Mice

BACKGROUND

Anesthesia in pregnant rodents causes neurotoxicity in fetal and offspring rodents. However, the underlying mechanisms and targeted treatments remain largely to be determined. Isoflurane and propofol are among commonly used anesthetics. Thus, we set out to investigate whether propofol can mitigate the isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

METHODS

Pregnant C57BL/6 mice at gestational day 15 (G15) were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control, isoflurane, propofol, and isoflurane plus propofol. Levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) fragment were measured in the brains of G15 embryos, and levels of postsynaptic density (PSD)-95 and synaptophysin were determined in the hippocampal tissues of postnatal day 31 (P31) offspring using Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Learning and memory functions in P31 offspring were determined using a Morris water maze test.

RESULTS

Isoflurane anesthesia in pregnant mice at G15 significantly increased brain IL-6 (222.6% ± 36.45% vs 100.5% ± 3.43%, P < .0001) and PARP fragment (384.2% ± 50.87% vs 99.59% ± 3.25%, P < .0001) levels in fetal mice and reduced brain PSD-95 (30.76% ± 2.03% vs 100.8% ± 2.25%, P < .0001) and synaptophysin levels in cornu ammonis (CA) 1 region (57.08% ± 4.90% vs 100.6% ± 2.20%, P < .0001) and dentate gyrus (DG; 56.47% ± 3.76% vs 99.76% ± 1.09%, P < .0001) in P31 offspring. Isoflurane anesthesia also impaired cognitive function in offspring at P31. Propofol significantly mitigated isoflurane-induced increases in brain IL-6 (117.5% ± 10.37% vs 222.6% ± 36.45%, P < .0001) and PARP fragment (205.1% ± 35.99% vs 384.2% ± 50.87%, P < .0001) levels in fetal mice, as well as reductions in PSD-95 (49.79% ± 3.43% vs 30.76% ± 2.03%, P < .0001) and synaptophysin levels in CA1 region (85.57% ± 2.97% vs 57.08% ± 4.90%, P < .0001) and DG (85.05% ± 1.87% vs 56.47% ± 3.76%, P < .0001) in hippocampus of P31 offspring. Finally, propofol attenuated isoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that gestational isoflurane exposure in mice induces neuroinflammation and apoptosis in embryos and causes cognitive impairment in offspring. Propofol can attenuate these isoflurane-induced detrimental effects.

Effects of propofol on hippocampal neuron viability

PURPOSE

In this study, we investigated the effects of different concentration of propofol on cell viability of hippocampal neurons and explored the possible mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentration of propofol. MTT was used to examine the survival of neurons. Flow cytometry was used to detect the neuronal apoptosis. Western-blot analysis was used to examine the expression level of p-p38MAPK and p38MAPK.

RESULTS

We found that low concentration propofol (0.5 μM and 1 μM) promoted the cell survival rate; however, high concentration of propofol (10 μM,50 μM,100 μM,150 μM, and 200 μM) decreased the cell survival rate (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed that the neuronal apoptosis rate was decreased in 1 μM propofol group (P < 0.05), but was significantly higher in10μM, 100 μM and 200 μM groups in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Western blot revealed that the propofol induced the phosphorylation of p38MAPK concentration-dependently and time-dependently. SB203580, one inhibitor of p38MAPK, increased the cell survival rate and decreased the cell apoptosis induced by high concentration of propofol.

CONCLUSION

Low concentration of propofol improved the survival rate of neurons, while high concentration of propofol promoted the cell apoptosis and decreased the cell viability. p38MAPK pathway is involved the effect of high concentration of propofol promoted on primary hippocampal neurons viability and apoptosis.

Evolution of casting techniques in early-onset and congenital scoliosis

Casting is being utilized as a therapeutic strategy in some mild to moderate cases obviating surgical intervention for management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Bracing, another conservative modality, applies comparable correcting forces on chest wall and axial skeleton. But cast application carries additional advantage of sustained restorative force which bypasses issue of compliance seen with brace wear. There is no specific blanket treatment, conservative or surgical, for the early-onset spinal deformities. Serial cast application provides near total correction of less severe curves (less than 500 to 600) if treatment is initiated before age of 2 yrs. In this review article, we will assess the evolution of plaster cast application in management of EOS and also describe technique of EDF (Elongation- Derotation- Flexion) casting.

Provision and Utilization of Team- and Community-Based Operative Care for Patients With Cleft Lip/Palate in North Carolina

OBJECTIVE

To characterize operative care for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) based on location (ie, from American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association [ACPA]-approved multidisciplinary teams or from community providers).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database and State Ambulatory Surgery & Services Database databases for North Carolina from 2012 to 2015.

SETTING/PATIENTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical encounters for children with CL/P undergoing operative procedures were identified, classified by location as "Team" versus "Community," and characterized by demographic, geographic, clinical, and procedural factors. A secondary evaluation reviewed concordance of team and community practices with an ACPA guideline related to coordination of care.

RESULTS

Three teams and 39 community providers performed a total of 3010 cleft-related procedures across 2070 encounters. Teams performed 69.7% of total volume and performed the majority of cleft procedures, including cleft lip repair, palate repair, alveolar bone grafting, and correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency. Community locations principally offered myringotomy and rhinoplasty. Team care was associated with higher guideline concordance.

CONCLUSIONS

American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association -approved team-based care accounts for the majority of cleft-related care in North Carolina; however, a substantial volume of cleft-related procedures was provided by community providers, with 3 providers accounting for the vast majority of community cases.

Effects of neonatal isoflurane anesthesia exposure on learning-specific and sensory systems in adults

Millions of children undergo general anesthesia each year, and animal and human studies have indicated that exposure to anesthesia at an early age can impact neuronal development, leading to behavioral and learning impairments that manifest later in childhood and adolescence. Here, we examined the effects of isoflurane, a commonly-used general anesthetic, which was delivered to newborn rabbits. Trace eyeblink classical conditioning was used to assess the impact of neonatal anesthesia exposure on behavioral learning in adolescent subjects, and a variety of MRI techniques including fMRI, MR volumetry, spectroscopy and DTI captured functional, metabolic, and structural changes in key regions of the learning and sensory systems associated with anesthesia-induced learning impairment. Our results demonstrated a wide array of changes that were specific to anesthesia-exposed subjects, which supports previous studies that have pointed to a link between early anesthesia exposure and the development of learning and behavioral deficiencies. These findings point to the need for caution in avoiding excessive use of general anesthesia in young children and neonates.

Beyond Anesthesia Toxicity: Anesthetic Considerations to Lessen the Risk of Neonatal Neurological Injury

Infants who undergo surgical procedures in the first few months of life are at a higher risk of death or subsequent neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Although the pathogenesis of these outcomes is multifactorial, an understanding of the nature and pathogenesis of brain injury in these infants may assist the anesthesiologist in consideration of their day-to-day practice to minimize such risks. This review will summarize the main types of brain injury in preterm and term infants and their key pathways. In addition, the review will address key potential pathogenic pathways that may be modifiable including intraoperative hypotension, hypocapnia, hyperoxia or hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and hyperthermia. Each of these conditions may increase the risk of perioperative neurological injury, but their long-term ramifications are unclear.

Surgical treatment of children and youth with congenital melanocytic nevi: self- and proxy-reported opinions

PURPOSE

The role of surgery in the management of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) is controversial. Data on surgical outcomes and predictors of satisfaction remain scarce.

METHODS

An online survey was employed following worldwide recruitment of youth aged 14-25 years (n = 44) and parents of children ≤ 18 years (n = 249) with CMN to query patterns of treatment and satisfaction with and opinions about the benefits of surgery.

RESULTS

In proxy-reports, 121 of 249 (49%) and in self-reports 30 of 44 (75%) participants underwent CMN excision. The most common reasons for surgery were psychosocial determinants, aesthetic improvement, and melanoma risk reduction. The overall satisfaction with surgical management was good, although no predictors for satisfaction could be identified. Higher current age of the child was found to predict decision regret in proxy-reports. Most participants indicated that having a scar is more socially acceptable than a CMN. Opinions differed on whether surgery should be deferred until the child is old enough to be involved in the decision-making process.

CONCLUSIONS

Whether and when to perform surgery in children with CMN is a multifaceted question. Awareness of common concerns as well as risks and benefits of surgery are essential to ensure critical reflection and balanced decision-making.

The effects of repeated propofol anesthesia on spatial memory and long-term potentiation in infant rats under hypoxic conditions

Propofol is widely used as an intravenous drug for induction and maintenance in general anesthesia. Hypoxemia is a common complication during perianesthesia. We want to know the effect of propofol on spatial memory and LTP (Long-term potentiation) under hypoxic conditions. In this study, 84 seven-day-old Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 14)-four control groups: lipid emulsion solvent + 50% oxygen (CO), lipid emulsion solvent + room air (CA), lipid emulsion solvent + 18% oxygen (CH), and propofol + 50% oxygen (propofol–oxygen, PO); and two experiment groups: propofol + room air (propofol–air, PA), and propofol + 18% oxygen (propofol–hypoxia, PH). After receiving propofol (50 mg/kg) or the same volume of intralipid intraperitoneal (5.0 ml/kg), injected once per day for seven consecutive days, the rats were exposed to 18% oxygen, 50% oxygen and air, until recovery of the righting reflex. We found that the apoptotic index and activated caspase-3 increased in the PH group (P < 0.05) compared with the PA group, fEPSP (field excitatory postsynaptic) potential and success induction rate of LTP reduced in all propofol groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the PO group, the fEPSP and success induction rate of LTP reduced significantly in the PA and PH groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with CH group, the average time of escape latency was longer, and the number of platform location crossings was significantly reduced in the PH group (P < 0.05). Thus, we believe that adequate oxygen is very important during propofol anesthesia.

General Anesthetic Exposure During Early Adolescence Persistently Alters Ethanol Responses

BACKGROUND

Adolescent alcohol abuse can lead to behavioral dysfunction and chronic, relapsing alcohol use disorder (AUD) in adulthood. However, not all adolescents that consume alcohol will develop an AUD; therefore, it is critical to identify neural and environmental risk factors that contribute to increases in susceptibility to AUDs following adolescent alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) exposure. We previously found that adolescent anesthetic exposure led to strikingly similar behavioral and neural effects as adolescent alcohol exposure. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that general anesthetic exposure during early adolescence would alter EtOH responses consistent with an exacerbation of the adolescent alcohol phenotype.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, early-adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed for a short duration to the general anesthetic isoflurane and tested on multiple EtOH-induced behaviors in mid-late adolescence or adulthood.

RESULTS

Adolescent rats exposed to isoflurane exhibited decreases in sensitivity to negative properties of EtOH such as its aversive, hypnotic, and socially suppressive effects, as well as increases in voluntary EtOH intake and cognitive impairment. Select behaviors were noted to persist into adulthood following adolescent isoflurane exposure. Similar exposure in adults had no effects on EtOH sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates for the first time that early-adolescent isoflurane exposure alters EtOH sensitivity in a manner consistent with an exacerbation of adolescent-typical alcohol responding. These findings suggest that general anesthetic exposure during adolescence may be an environmental risk factor contributing to an enhanced susceptibility to developing AUDs in an already vulnerable population.

Impact of anesthesia exposure in early development on learning and sensory functions

Each year, millions of children undergo anesthesia, and both human and animal studies have indicated that exposure to anesthesia at an early age can lead to neuronal damage and learning deficiency. However, disorders of sensory functions were not reported in children or animals exposed to anesthesia during infancy, which is surprising, given the significant amount of damage to brain tissue reported in many animal studies. In this review, we discuss the relationship between the systems in the brain that mediate sensory input, spatial learning, and classical conditioning, and how these systems could be affected during anesthesia exposure. Based on previous reports, we conclude that anesthesia can induce structural, functional, and compensatory changes in both sensory and learning systems. Changes in myelination following anesthesia exposure were observed as well as the neurodegeneration in the gray matter across variety of brain regions. Disproportionate cell death between excitatory and inhibitory cells induced by anesthesia exposure can lead to a long-term shift in the excitatory/inhibitory balance, which affects both learning-specific networks and sensory systems. Anesthesia may directly affect synaptic plasticity which is especially critical to learning acquisition. However, sensory systems appear to have better ability to compensate for damage than learning-specific networks.

Effects of embryonic propofol exposure on axonal growth and locomotor activity in zebrafish

Prenatal propofol exposure induced neurotoxicity in the developing brains and led to persistent learning deficits in the offspring. Our goal was to use zebrafish to explore whether the decline in learning and memory was correlated with inhibition of neuronal growth after propofol exposure. Zebrafish embryos at 6 hours postfertilization (hpf) were exposed to control or 1, 2 or 4 μg/mL propofol until 48 hpf. Spontaneous locomotor activity and swimming behavior in response to dark-to-light photoperiod stimulation were studied in zebrafish larvae at 6 days postfertilization (dpf). The adaptability to repeated stimulation was used to indicate learning and memory function of larvae. Transgenic NBT line zebrafish was used to quantitate the effect of propofol on motor neuronal growth of embryos in vivo. Six dpf transgenic zebrafish larvae went through photoperiod stimulation after their neuronal length had been analyzed during the embryonic period. Our data indicate that embryonic exposure to 1, 2 and 4 μg/mL propofol had no adverse effect on spontaneous movement in zebrafish larvae, but 2 and 4 μg/mL propofol significantly impaired the learning and memory function of larvae. Moreover, propofol significantly inhibited axonal growth of motor neurons during the embryonic stage, which was correlated with learning and memory deficiency in larvae. Our findings demonstrate that the neuronal growth was correlated with learning and memory function, indicating the relevance of zebrafish as a new model to explore the mechanisms through which propofol induces long-term learning and memory impairment.

Number, frequency and time interval of examinations under anesthesia in bilateral retinoblastoma

PURPOSE

Current practice in retinoblastoma (Rb) has transformed this malignancy into a curable disease. More attention should therefore be given to quality of life considerations, including measures related to examinations under anesthesia (EUAs). We aimed to investigate EUA measures in bilateral Rb patients and compare the findings to EUAs in unilateral Rb.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of bilateral Rb patients that presented to the London Rb service from 2006 to 2013, were treated and had long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 62 Rb patients, 15 (24.2%) of which had International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification (IIRC) group A/B/no Rb at presentation, 26 (41.9%) C/D, and 21 (33.9%) were E in at least one eye. The mean number of EUAs was 35.8 ± 21.5, mean time from first to last EUA was 50.6 ± 19.9 months, and mean EUA frequency was 0.715 ± 0.293 EUAs/month. IIRC group was found not to correlate with any of the EUA measures. Age at presentation inversely correlated with time interval from first to last EUA and to EUA frequency (p ≤ 0.029). Rb family history correlated with the latter measure (p = 0.005) and intraophthalmic artery chemotherapy and brachytherapy correlated with all EUA measures (p ≤ 0.029). Mean follow-up time was 80.1 ± 24.3 months. When compared with a previously reported cohort of unilateral Rb, the present group underwent 3× more EUAs (p < 0.001) over nearly double the time (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Families should be counselled on anticipated EUA burden associated with bilateral Rb. In this respect, age at presentation and family history were found to have a predictive role, whereas IIRC group did not.

Association between surgical procedures under general anesthesia in infancy and developmental outcomes at 1 year: the Japan Environment and Children's Study

BACKGROUND

The neurotoxicity of general anesthesia to the developing human brains is controversial. We assessed the associations between surgery under general anesthesia in infancy and development at age 1 year using the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a large-scale birth cohort study.

METHODS

In the JECS, 103,062 pregnancies and 104,065 fetuses were enrolled between January 2011 and March 2014. Of the 100,144 registered live births, we excluded preterm or post-term infants, multiple births, and infants with chromosomal anomalies and/or anomalies of the head or brain. Data on surgical procedures under general anesthesia in infancy were collected from self-administered questionnaires by parents at the 1-year follow-up. Developmental delay at age 1 year was assessed using the Japanese translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (J-ASQ-3), comprising five developmental domains.

RESULTS

Among the 64,141 infants included, 746 infants had surgery under general anesthesia once, 90 twice, and 71 three or more times. The percentage of developmental delay in the five domains of the J-ASQ-3 significantly increased with the number of surgical procedures. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the risk of developmental delays in all five domains was significantly increased in infants who had surgery under general anesthesia three times or more (adjusted odds ratios: for communication domain 3.32; gross motor domain 4.69; fine motor domain 2.99; problem solving domain 2.47; personal-social domain 2.55).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery under general anesthesia in infancy was associated with an increased likelihood of developmental delay in all five domains of the J-ASQ-3, especially the gross motor domain at age 1 year. The neurodevelopment with the growth should be further evaluated among the children who had surgery under general anesthesia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (number: UMIN000030786 ).

Effects of an MRI Try Without program on patient access

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients are often sedated for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to ensure images are of diagnostic quality. However, access time for MRIs requiring sedation is often long due to high patient volumes and limited sedation resources.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effectiveness of an MRI Try Without sedation program to decrease the wait time for obtaining an MRI while simultaneously ensuring diagnostic-quality images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on subjects who utilized the MRI Try Without program from April 2014 through June 2015 at a dedicated pediatric institution. Child life specialist preparations and access time (i.e. time from exam ordered to exam completed) were recorded in each patient's electronic medical record. MRI images were evaluated for image quality by a pediatric neuroradiologist.

RESULTS

A total of 134 patients participated in the MRI Try Without program (mean age: 6.9±1.7 years), all of whom received interventions from a child life specialist. The average number of days between when the order was placed and when the MRI was completed using the MRI Try Without program was 15.4±18.5 days, while the third-available appointment for sedation/anesthesia was 46.2 days (standard deviation [SD]±15.7 days). Nearly all patients received a "good" or "very good" image quality determination (87.3%) and only 5 (3.8%) patients were recommended for repeat examination for diagnostic-quality images.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of an MRI Try Without sedation program, with child life specialist interventions, decreased the wait time for obtaining an MRI while still providing diagnostic-quality images.

Children with congenital and childhood cataract require frequent follow-up visits and examinations in general anaesthesia: considerations for the strain on families

BACKGROUND

Children with cataract require frequent monitoring to detect complications, adjust refractive correction and treat amblyopia. This is time consuming for the families. The aim of the study was to evaluate how often children with cataract are seen as outpatients or under general anaesthesia during the first 7 years of life.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all children with congenital and childhood cataract born between 2000 primo and 2017 seen at our institution. The cumulated number of outpatient visits and examinations and/or surgeries in general anaesthesia was extracted for age 1, 3, 5 and 7 years.

RESULTS

Children who had cataract surgery were seen significantly more often than children without surgery. During the first year of life, children with bilateral surgery had a median of nine outpatient visits, children with unilateral cataract had 11 and children without surgery had five outpatient visits. At 7 years of age, half of the children operated bilaterally before 1 year of age had undergone at least five procedures/examinations in general anaesthesia versus 1/4 of those with unilateral surgery and none of those without surgery. Children were seen less frequently with advancing age.

CONCLUSION

The management, treatment and follow-up of children with cataract are demanding, requiring frequent hospital visits and repeated examinations and/or surgical procedures in general anaesthesia over many years, but mainly during the first year of life. Surgical patients are more complex and require closer follow-up. This message is important to convey to the parents at the onset of the disease.

Comparison of postoperative delirium in patients anesthetized with isoflurane versus desflurane during spinal surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Background:

Following spine surgery, different types of inhalational anesthetic agents can result in postoperative delirium (POD) that can increase perioperative/postoperative morbidity. Here, we compared the incidence of POD in adults undergoing spine surgery anesthetized with isoflurane versus desflurane.

Methods:

A prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial for patients undergoing spinal surgery was performed in 60 adults (aged 18–65 years); they were randomized to receive isoflurane or desflurane. On postoperative days 1 and 3, the diagnosis and severity of POD utilized 3D-Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and CAM-severity delirium severity scores to assess patients’ status. Multiple other variables which may have influenced the frequency/severity of POD were also studied.

Results:

For the two groups, the incidence of POD utilizing isoflurane and desflurane was similar on postoperative days 1 (10% vs. 13.3%, P > 0.05) and 3 (6.6% vs. 0%, P > 0.05). The severity scores of POD for both anesthetic agents were also similar on postoperative days 1 (1.5 vs. 1) and 3 (0.5 vs. 0.5). In addition, there was no significant association of POD with other perioperative factors.

Conclusion:

A significant number of patients undergoing spine surgery experience POD. However, the incidence and severity of POD remained similar when utilizing either isoflurane or desflurane.

The Impact of Surgical Intervention on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: a Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea

BACKGROUND

To investigate the incidence of surgical intervention in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and the impact of surgery on neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected ages (CAs) of 18-24 months, using data from the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN).

METHODS

Data from 7,885 VLBW infants who were born and registered with the KNN between 2013 to 2016 were analyzed in this study. The incidences of various surgical interventions and related morbidities were analyzed. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes at CAs of 18-24 months were compared between infants (born during 2013 to 2015, n = 3,777) with and without surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1,509 out of 7,885 (19.1%) infants received surgical interventions during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (n = 840) was most frequently performed, followed by laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity and laparotomy due to intestinal perforation. Infants who underwent surgery had higher mortality rates and greater neurodevelopmental impairment than infants who did not undergo surgery (P value < 0.01, both). On multivariate analysis, single or multiple surgeries increased the risk of neurodevelopmental impairment compared to no surgery with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.6 with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.1-2.6 and 2.3 with 95% CI of 1.1-4.9.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one fifth of VLBW infants underwent one or more surgical interventions during NICU hospitalization. The impact of surgical intervention on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes was sustained over a follow-up of CA 18-24 months. Infants with multiple surgeries had an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment compared to infants with single surgeries or no surgeries after adjustment for possible confounders.