Effects of general anesthetics on the cognitive function of pediatric patients: A review

Abstract

The consequences induced by the use of general anesthetics and better options of the drugs in children and infants have been topics of controversy due to the concerns about their potential impact on cognitive function. To address these concerns and ensure the safety of pediatric general anesthesia, this paper reviews existing basic and clinical studies that have investigated the mechanisms of general anesthetics on pediatric cognitive function. In this paper, the basic research on neurotoxicity of general anesthetics and the clinical research on the effects of general anesthesia drugs on cognitive function in children in recent years were analyzed and summarized. Although some of the clinical studies have suggested that general anesthesia in children or infants may cause neurocognitive damage and a series of behavioral complications, the results of the retrospective studies need to be viewed with caution as they may lack effective control for relevant factors that could have impacts in the perioperative period. It remains uncertain whether general anesthetics affect the cognitive function of pediatric patients. Further research is needed to establish clear evidence-based recommendations for clinical prevention and treatment measures to minimize the potential risks associated with the use of general anesthetics.