General anesthesia in early infancy unlikely to have lasting effects on developing brains

[ABigRascal]

www.news-medical.net/news/20190215/Study-General-anesthesia-in-early-infancy-unlikely-to-have-lasting-effects-on-developing-brains.aspx

This is the most recent of various research and is largely reassuring, although mostly on boys. The animal studies are quite concerning but I think much higher doses of anaesthetic were involved.

It sounds like some strategies for neuroprotection during anaesthesia are being studied but like everything it takes so long.

My 1 year old girl needs a procedure soon that can't wait until she is 3 and I know it's the right thing to do but I feel absolutely sick and not that reassured by "it's probably ok" although I know the drs looking after her are doing their best and the right thing. It's booked for later this month.

Does anybody have any reassuring stories? She's so perfect, I don't want her to change, though I know rationally she won't.

I don't know what animal study you are referring to, but anaesthesia in young animals particular cats is very advanced and really very common. There are specialist anaesthetic protocols ( the kitren quad) which are similar to children.
Any surgery that is carried out on young children is very necessary I say this as someone whose DD was under for an hour and half whenshe was five months old. That was in the days of thiopentone and halothane. Modern drugs are really very, verysafe.

Thank you everyone. I'm so glad your DC are ok and did so well with their surgeries (although I'm sorry you all had to go through it)

@Lonecatwithkitten there are a lot of studies into neuroapoptosis in infant animals in a lab setting rather than clinical. Most looking at the cognitive and behavioural effects in mice and rats but some with monkeys. As I understand it, it's a side effect of the way the anaesthetic bonds to receptors in the growing brain.

I'm sure the dose researched was much higher than for pets and that veterinary medicine is very safe.

My DS had a GA at just over a year old. He got a First for his BA and gained a credit for his MA as well. He got a clutch of A*s for his IGCSEs as well.

Thanks scaryteacher. Congrats to your son and all the other wonderful children on this thread!