Pediatric Neurotoxicity of Anesthetic Agents: Are We too Worried or too Little?

Abstract

The debate on possible neurocognitive adverse effects of anesthetic agents refuses to cease. As evidence builds up, both for and against the debate, a conclusion evades us. More human studies on the subject have now been carried out, and yet we do not have a consensus. In this review, we attempt to relook at the existing evidence, as well as examine some new information as we pursue a greater understanding of this complex matter.

Keywords

• anesthetic agents
• neonates and infants
• neurocognition
• neurotoxicity