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Anaesthesia and brain development: a review of propofol-induced neurotoxicity in pediatric populations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 March 2024

Weixin Zhang ,
Qi Liu ,
Junli Wang  and
Li Liu Open the ORCID record for Li Liu [Opens in a new window]
Weixin Zhang
Affiliation:
Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Qi Liu
Affiliation:
Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Junli Wang
Affiliation:
Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Li Liu*
Affiliation:
Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
*
Corresponding author: L. Liu; Email: liul@hrbmu.edu.cn
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Abstract

With the advancement of medical technology, there are increasing opportunities for new-borns, infants, and pregnant women to be exposed to general anaesthesia. Propofol is commonly used for the induction of anaesthesia, maintenance of general intravenous anaesthesia and sedation of intensive-care children. Many previous studies have found that propofol has organ-protective effects, but growing evidence suggests that propofol interferes with brain development, affecting learning and cognitive function. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest progress in understanding the neurotoxicity of propofol. Evidence from case studies and clinical studies suggests that propofol has neurotoxicity on the developing brain. We classify the findings on propofol-induced neurotoxicity based on its damage mechanism. We end by summarizing the current protective strategies against propofol neurotoxicity. Fully understanding the neurotoxic mechanisms of propofol can help us use it at a reasonable dosage, reduce its side effects, and increase patient safety.

Keywords

Anesthesiapropofolneurotoxicitysystematic review
Type
Review
Information
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 15 , 2024 , e2
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press in association with The International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)

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