Preterm Surgeries May Impair Later Cognition

A significant reduction in composite IQ scores was found at age 3 to 6 years when preterm infants had two or more surgeries before term-equivalent age.

There has been growing concern about potential adverse effects of general anesthesia on the developing brain. In a prospective cohort study of infants born before 33 weeks gestational age, researchers evaluated the effect of preterm anesthesia exposure on neurodevelopment at ages 3 to 6 years.

Of 137 participants, 25 had one surgery before term-equivalent age (TEA) and 18 had two or more pre-TEA surgeries. Mean age at follow-up was 4.6 years. Compared with no pre-TEA surgery, more than one surgery was associated with decreased full-scale IQ, and two or more surgeries were associated with reduced performance and verbal IQ. In analyses corrected for potential confounders (gestational age, prenatal use of corticosteroids, selected neonatal comp…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Preterm Surgeries May Impair Later Cognition

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Reviewing Author