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Anesthesia in the Pediatric Patient

Megan A Brockel1, David M Polaner1, Vijaya M Vemulakonda2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Children's Hospital Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13123 East 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.

The Urologic Clinics of North America
|October 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Anesthetic risks for children have decreased, but neonates and infants face unique pulmonary and cardiovascular risks. Ongoing research investigates potential long-term neurodevelopmental effects of anesthesia in young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Toxicology

Background:

  • Anesthetic drug and monitoring advancements have reduced pediatric risks.
  • Neonates and infants exhibit higher risks for cardiovascular and pulmonary complications.
  • Emerging concerns link anesthesia to potential long-term neurodevelopmental effects in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current understanding of anesthetic risks in pediatric patients, particularly neonates and infants.
  • To highlight concerns regarding potential neurodevelopmental toxicity of anesthetics in children.
  • To emphasize the need for collaborative decision-making between clinicians and parents.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric anesthesia safety.
  • Analysis of recent reports on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children exposed to anesthesia.
  • Discussion of clinical considerations for managing anesthesia in vulnerable pediatric populations.

Main Results:

  • Significant reductions in anesthetic risks for pediatric patients due to improved techniques.
  • Identified increased risks for cardiovascular and pulmonary complications in neonates and infants.
  • Highlighted ongoing research into potential anesthetic neurotoxicity in children.

Conclusions:

  • While overall anesthetic risks have decreased, neonates and infants require special consideration due to specific complications.
  • The potential for long-term neurodevelopmental effects from anesthesia in children is an active area of investigation.
  • Shared decision-making involving parents is crucial for optimizing care for vulnerable pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia.

Keywords:
ERASNeurotoxicityPediatric anesthesiaRegional anesthesiaSurgical decision making

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