Recent SmartTots-Related Research
Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes After Early Exposure to Anesthesia and Surgery
Repeated exposure to anesthesia and surgery before the age of 2 shown to be a significant independent risk factor for the later development of learning disabilities but not the need for educational interventions related to emotion/behavior. Read More
Neurotoxicity of Anesthetic Drugs in the Developing Brain
Anesthesia kills neurons in the brain of infantile animals, including primates, and causes permanent and progressive neurocognitive decline. The anesthesia community and regulatory authorities alike are concerned that is also true in humans. Read More
Neonatal Desflurane Exposure Induces More Robust Neuroapoptosis than Do Isoflurane and Sevoflurane and Impairs Working Memory
In an animal model, neonatal desflurane exposure induced more neuroapoptosis than did sevoflurane or isoflurane and impaired working memory, suggesting that desflurane is more neurotoxic than sevoflurane or isoflurane. Read More
GABAergic Excitotoxicity Injury of the Immature Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons’ Exposure to Isoflurane
Isoflurane-mediated enhancement of GABA-triggered [Ca2+]i release results from membrane depolarization with subsequent activation of VDCCs and further Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release from the ryanodine-sensitizing Ca2+ store. Read More
General Anesthesia Causes Long-term Impairment of Mitochondrial Morphogenesis and Synaptic Transmission in Developing Rat Brain
Developing mitochondria are exquisitely vulnerable to general anesthesia and may be important early target of anesthesia-induced developmental neurodegeneration. Read More
November issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia to feature SmartTots and pediatric anesthesia neurotoxicity. Issue mails end of October.
Coming Up
Society for Pediatric Anesthesia’s 25th Annual Meeting
October 14, 2011
Hyatt McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
Panel Alert: Anesthesia for the Neonate – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: From Paralysis to Toxicity
Anesthesiology 2011 – American Society of Anesthesiologists
October 15-19, 2011
McCormick Place Complex, Chicago, Illinois
Panel Alert: Anesthetic Related Neurotoxicity in Children: Research, Regulation and Practice
Request for Applications – Deadline Approaching
The last day to submit a proposal in response to our request for applications is October 21. Studies aimed at investigating whether anesthetics impede brain development are welcome. Read the full RFA and apply now.
Show Your Support
Millions of infants and young children receive anesthesia each year. Without the necessary research data, we have no way of knowing whether these children are at risk for future developmental difficulties. Your donation will help fund research needed to ensure safe anesthetic exposure.
Will you show your support by donating today? 100% of your gift will be directly allocated to research, and Dr. Michael Roizen, Chair of our Executive Board, will match your donation with a personal contribution of his own.