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Use of a Piglet Model for the Study of Anesthetic-induced Developmental Neurotoxicity AIDN: A Translational Neuroscience Approach
Published on: June 11, 2017
Review of preclinical studies on pediatric general anesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity
Jennifer L Walters1, Merle G Paule1
1National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/FDA, Division of Neurotoxicology, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States.
Insights
Pediatric anesthetics may harm the developing brain, but clinical effects are unclear. Research is needed to understand risks and find protective strategies for anesthesia in children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Developmental Toxicology
Background:
- Thousands of pediatric surgical procedures necessitate prolonged anesthesia or sedation annually.
- Preclinical studies indicate potential neurotoxicity of pediatric anesthetics on the developing brain.
- The clinical relevance of these preclinical findings remains largely undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical literature on the effects of general anesthesia on brain and behavioral development in pediatric populations.
- To assess the impact of various anesthetic agents on neurotoxicity and functional outcomes.
- To explore potential protective compounds and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of preclinical studies investigating anesthetic effects on neurodevelopment.
- Analysis of data on neurotoxicity indices and behavioral outcomes.
- Evaluation of evidence for neuroprotective strategies.
Main Results:
- Preclinical data suggest that certain anesthetic agents can induce neurotoxic effects and alter neurodevelopment.
- Specific anesthetic agents demonstrate varying degrees of impact on different neurodevelopmental indices.
- Evidence for potential neuroprotective agents and interventions is emerging from preclinical research.
Conclusions:
- General anesthetics may pose risks to the developing pediatric brain, necessitating further clinical investigation.
- Understanding the neurodevelopmental impact of anesthesia is crucial for optimizing pediatric patient care.
- Future research should focus on elucidating anesthetic neurotoxicity mechanisms and developing preventative strategies.
Abstract:
Thousands of infants and children undergo complicated surgical procedures that require prolonged periods of anesthesia and/or sedation each year. A growing body of preclinical research suggests pediatric anesthetics are harmful to the developing brain; yet, the extent to which these effects generalize to the clinical setting remains unclear. As there will be a continuing need for surgical and other interventions requiring sedation and/or anesthesia during the neonatal period, it seems clear that research efforts should focus on determining the extent to which general anesthetics can affect the developing brain as well as determining strategies for preventing or ameliorating the adverse effects associated with exposure to such agents. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the preclinical literature examining the effects of general anesthesia on brain and behavioral development. This paper will detail the effects of different anesthetic agents on various indices of neurotoxicity and functional outcomes as well as provide a review of potential protective compounds and suggestions for areas of future research.
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