ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effects of a single general anesthesia on neurodevelopment in preschool children.Methods:American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ-Ⅱchildren of either sex, aged 3-6 yr, who were undergoing dental treatment under general anesthesia or non-general anesthesia, were enrolled in the study.Children in general anesthesia group received dental treatment under general anesthesia, while children in control group received pit and fissure sealant.In general anesthesia group, the children entered the operating room accompanied by their parents and inhaled 50% nitrous oxide and 8% sevoflurane, propofol 2 mg/kg, fentanyl 2 μg/kg, and cisatracurium 0.1 mg/kg and dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg were intravenously injected, mechanical ventilation was performed after nasotracheal intubation under the guidance of a video laryngoscope, and anesthesia was maintained through inhalation of 2.5%-3.0% sevoflurane.The outcomes of neurodevelopment were assessed and scored using Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System.Results:Forty-four children were included in general anesthesia group and 19 children in non-general anesthesia group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in the changes in the scores of Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System before anesthesia and at 6 months after operation ( P>0.05). Conclusions:A single general anesthesia exerts no significant effect on neurodevelopment in preschool children.