Prenatal and perinatal anesthesia and the long-term cognitive sequelae: a review

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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

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Robert B Perna1, Ashlee R Loughan, Jessica A Le

  • 1a Behavioral Medicine Department , Walton Rehabilitation Health System , Augusta , Georgia.

Applied Neuropsychology. Child
|October 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Anesthesia may impact fetal brain development, potentially increasing risks for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disorders in children. Vulnerability is highest during early development, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Anesthesiology

Background:

  • Cognitive impairments in children often have unclear causes.
  • Gestational and early-life factors influence neurocognitive development.
  • Emerging research indicates anesthesia may adversely affect fetal brain development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential negative impacts of anesthesia on fetal and neonatal neurodevelopment.
  • To identify specific risk factors associated with anesthetic exposure and neurocognitive outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of retrospective studies and existing anesthesiology research.
  • Analysis of data on neonatal surgery and anesthesia outcomes.
  • Examination of vulnerability during different developmental stages, particularly the first trimester.

Main Results:

  • Anesthetic exposure may be linked to temporary neurological issues and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments.
  • Children may face increased risks for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disorders.
  • Vulnerability is heightened during rapid neuronal development, especially in the first trimester.

Conclusions:

  • Anesthesia poses potential risks to fetal and neonatal brain development.
  • Multiple exposures, longer durations, and specific developmental windows increase vulnerability.
  • Further prospective studies are needed to fully understand neurocognitive outcomes after neonatal anesthetic exposure.

Keywords:
anesthesiacognitionmedical populations

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