Effects of sevoflurane general anesthesia during early pregnancy on AIM2 expression in the hippocampus and parietal cortex of Sprague-Dawley offspring rats

Effects of Sevoflurane Exposure on Fetal Brain Development Using Cerebral Organoids

Sevoflurane is a safe and well-known inhaled anesthetic. Given that sevoflurane can be delivered to developing fetuses through the mother, it is critical to determine whether this agent affects fetal neurodevelopment. Recent research has sought to determine whether sevoflurane affects fetal brain development when the mother is exposed during the second to third trimester of pregnancy, considered to be the crucial period for the development of nervous system. However, even though the first trimester is a critical period for fetal organogenesis and the most susceptible time to teratogen exposure, research regarding the effects of sevoflurane on organogenesis, especially on brain development, is insufficient. In the present study, human embryonic stem cells (hESC)-derived cerebral organoids were exposed to sevoflurane during the time corresponding to the first trimester to investigate the effect of early sevoflurane exposure on fetal brain development, specifically the processes of neuronal differentiation and maturation. Organoid size exposed to the intermediate concentration of sevoflurane did not differ from control, immunofluorescence demonstrated that sevoflurane temporarily decreased the size of SOX2 + /N-cad + ventricular zone structures only during the mid-time point, and upregulated expression of TUJ1 and MAP2 only during the early time point. However, all markers returned to normal levels, and organoids formed normal cortical structures at the late time point. Our results suggest that maternal sevoflurane exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause abnormal neuronal differentiation in the fetal brain. However, considering the recovery observed in later periods, sevoflurane exposure might not have lasting impacts on fetal brain development.

Medication for Gravid and Nursing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Patients

The purpose of this article is to clarify clinically impactful features of the perioperative and postoperative pharmacologic management of pregnant and lactating patients in the maxillofacial or dental setting. Before prescribing any drug to a nursing mother or pregnant patient, the maxillofacial surgeon and other dental and medical providers should consider the available evidence, benefits, and risk for that particular drug. There are many complex factors to consider when prescribing in order to maintain the safety of the pregnant individual, fetus, and infant. This article aims to provide concise, memorable, and actionable information to use in your clinical practice.