title: Anesthesia and the developing brain.
abstract: Despite the profound evolution in the safety and efficacy of neonatal and pediatric anesthesia, questions remain concerning the long-term neurotoxic and neurocognitive effects of the drugs used in anesthetic care. A variety of prospective animal models and retrospective human studies exist that inconsistently demonstrate a detrimental effect of early life exposure to anesthetic drugs and subsequent learning performance. Limitations associated with both non-human and human observational studies are critiqued. Research currently underway is briefly described. A framework for discussing the relevant issues with concerned parents is presented.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aker
authors.forename: Robert I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Block
authors.forename: Chuck
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Biddle
mesh_terms: D018681:Anesthetics, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D009498:Neurotoxins; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists / Q000193:education; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D018681:Anesthetics, General; D009498:Neurotoxins