Sevuflurane in Young Children Can Cause Learning Disabilities

A recent study showed children younger than 4 years old who undergo repeated surgical operations while under general anesthesia could be at a greater risk for learning disabilities, according to News-Medical.

Advertisement

Researchers believe the combination of age, specific anesthetics agents and the number of doses may bring memory impairments and brain inflammation. Sevoflurane, specifically, had a direct effect on neuroinflammation. However, desflurane had no direct effects.

The study observed 6-day-old mice, and conducted memory and learning assessments 24 days later. Mice that had received three doses did significantly less well than a control group at learning the location of a platform and remembering where it had been once removed.

More Articles on Anesthesia:
Anesthesiologist Named Memorial Hermann’s Medical Staff President
Sheridan Healthcare Adds Three Affiliated Practices
Florida Gulf-to-Bay Looks to Expand Anesthesia Operations

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Anesthesia

  • As the shortage of physician anesthesiologists across the U.S. becomes more severe, certified-registered nurse anesthetists have emerged as an essential…

  • As of April 6, 2026, CRNAs’ average annual salary is $276,434, according to salary transparency platform Marit Health’s compilation of…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.