Children's cognitive recovery after day-case general anesthesia: a randomized trial of propofol or isoflurane for dental procedures

Millar, K., Bowman, A.W. , Burns, D., McLaughlin, P., Moores, T., Morton, N.S., Musiello, T., Wallace, E., Wray, A. and Welbury, R.R. (2014) Children's cognitive recovery after day-case general anesthesia: a randomized trial of propofol or isoflurane for dental procedures. Pediatric Anesthesia, 24(2), pp. 201-207. (doi: 10.1111/pan.12316)

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Abstract

Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is well established in adults but has been underinvestigated in children. As day-case procedures are increasingly common, it is important to establish whether children suffer significant POCD. Pediatric POCD has been associated with several intravenous and inhalation anesthetics, but isoflurane has not been studied. As evidence indicates superior recovery after propofol, the study compared POCD after propofol or isoflurane anesthesia.<p></p> Objectives: To compare the effects of propofol versus isoflurane upon children's POCD.<p></p> Methods: Fifty-eight children aged 5–14 years were randomized to propofol (total intravenous anesthesia) or isoflurane for day-case dental procedures. Reaction time (RT), verbal and visual memory, psychomotor coordination, and attention were assessed preoperatively, prior to discharge and at 24 h.<p></p> Results: Reaction time and psychomotor control were impaired postoperatively in both groups but recovered at 24 h. Delayed verbal recall was significantly impaired only after propofol. Both groups had significant impairment of visual memory postoperatively and at 24 h, and of recognition memory postoperatively only.<p></p> Conclusions: Propofol and isoflurane exert similar adverse effects on RT, psychomotor coordination, and visual memory. Selective impairment of verbal recall by propofol is consistent with adult evidence of the drug's effect on retrieval. The enduring postoperative impairment of memory has implications for instructions to parents and caregivers for the safety and well-being of children in the 24 h after day-case anesthesia with propofol and isoflurane.<p></p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Morton, Dr Neil and Wray, Dr Alyson and Wallace, Ms Evelyn and McLaughlin, Mr Paul and Welbury, Professor Richard and Musiello, Mrs Toni and Bowman, Prof Adrian and Millar, Professor Keith
Authors: Millar, K., Bowman, A.W., Burns, D., McLaughlin, P., Moores, T., Morton, N.S., Musiello, T., Wallace, E., Wray, A., and Welbury, R.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:Pediatric Anesthesia
ISSN:1460-9592
ISSN (Online):1460-9592

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
430701Randomised clinical trial of the effects of total intravenous anaesthesia versus volatile anaesthesia on children's post-operative cognition, behaviour and physical morbidityKeith MillerScottish Executive Health Department (Ch Scientist Off) (SOHHD-CSO)CZH/4/382IHW - Public Health