Anesthesia Exposure During the First 3 Years Affects Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Even a single exposure to anesthesia before age 3 was associated with significantly increased risk for a disability in language and cognition.

Studies on the effects of early exposure to anesthesia on developmental outcomes have yielded mixed results. Most studies suggest adverse effects on development only after multiple exposures in early childhood. Researchers examined this association in a pregnancy cohort of 2608 children in Australia; 321 children had undergone surgical procedures requiring anesthesia before age 3 years.

All children were assessed annually during the first 3 years and at ages 5, 8, 10, 13, and 16 years. Parents recorded their child's medical history and completed questionnaires about their child's medical problems, surgeries, and procedures at each assessment. Direct access to medical records was not available. At age 10 years, standardized neuropsychological…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics