Anaesthetic neurotoxicity and neuroplasticity: an expert group report and statement based on the BJA Salzburg Seminar

Br J Anaesth. 2013 Aug;111(2):143-51. doi: 10.1093/bja/aet177. Epub 2013 May 30.

Abstract

Although previously considered entirely reversible, general anaesthesia is now being viewed as a potentially significant risk to cognitive performance at both extremes of age. A large body of preclinical as well as some retrospective clinical evidence suggest that exposure to general anaesthesia could be detrimental to cognitive development in young subjects, and might also contribute to accelerated cognitive decline in the elderly. A group of experts in anaesthetic neuropharmacology and neurotoxicity convened in Salzburg, Austria for the BJA Salzburg Seminar on Anaesthetic Neurotoxicity and Neuroplasticity. This focused workshop was sponsored by the British Journal of Anaesthesia to review and critically assess currently available evidence from animal and human studies, and to consider the direction of future research. It was concluded that mounting evidence from preclinical studies reveals general anaesthetics to be powerful modulators of neuronal development and function, which could contribute to detrimental behavioural outcomes. However, definitive clinical data remain elusive. Since general anaesthesia often cannot be avoided regardless of patient age, it is important to understand the complex mechanisms and effects involved in anaesthesia-induced neurotoxicity, and to develop strategies for avoiding or limiting potential brain injury through evidence-based approaches.

Keywords: anaesthesia, general; anaesthetics; cognitive disorder; neurotoxicity syndromes; postoperative complications.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects*
  • Anesthetics, General / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Austria
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Cognition Disorders / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Neuronal Plasticity / drug effects*
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / etiology*
  • Periodicals as Topic*
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Anesthetics, General