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Neurobiological and Cognitive Changes Following Exposure to Either Sevoflurane- or Propofol-based Anesthesia in Children

Phase 3
Completed
Conditions
Cognitive Change
Behavior
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT03022240
Lead Sponsor
University of Calgary
Brief Summary

The demand for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pediatric patients is increasing due to its use in medical diagnosis and surveillance. Pediatric patients often require general anesthesia (GA) for MRI due to the need for prolonged immobility during the scanning process to obtain high quality images. Two widely used anesthetic techniques for pediatric MRIs are volatile-based anesthesia using sevoflurane and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using propofol. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential neurotoxic effects of anesthetics on the developing brain. Within the animal literature, there is emerging evidence to suggest that both sevoflurane and propofol may cause inflammation, impacting brain cell survival and connections, thereby contributing to possible cognitive dysfunction. However, given the challenges in extrapolating the animal data to humans, and the relatively limited human cohort studies examining the long-term effects of anesthesia exposure, there is inadequate information available to make informed clinical decisions regarding the choice of optimal anesthetic agents for MRI in children. Therefore, this study will uniquely examine the mechanisms of two widely used anesthetics and their short and long-term impact on developmental outcomes in healthy children.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
50
Inclusion Criteria

Those between the ages 2 to 5 years who require general anesthesia for MRI Brain and have an American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status of I to II

Exclusion Criteria
  • Emergency cases
  • Intubated prior to MRI
  • Allergies/contraindication to anesthetics
  • Requirement of a painful procedure with MRI
  • Significant developmental delay
  • Autism or suspected autism
  • History of extreme prematurity <28 wks gestational age
  • Sedation or general anesthesia in the last 14 days
  • Receiving chemotherapy or radiation

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Inhalational TechniqueSevofluraneAll patients will receive Ametop local anesthetic to the dorsum of both hands 30-45 minutes prior to induction. After inhalation induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane (in 100% O2), an IV will be obtained. Anesthesia will be maintained with sevoflurane (in a mixture of air:oxygen) with a minimum alveolar concentration of 1.0-1.3, titrated to effect. No long acting opioids or nitrous oxide will be used. Airway management will be at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. Each patient will receive the antiemetic ondansetron 0.1mg/kg IV.
Inhalational TechniqueAmetopAll patients will receive Ametop local anesthetic to the dorsum of both hands 30-45 minutes prior to induction. After inhalation induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane (in 100% O2), an IV will be obtained. Anesthesia will be maintained with sevoflurane (in a mixture of air:oxygen) with a minimum alveolar concentration of 1.0-1.3, titrated to effect. No long acting opioids or nitrous oxide will be used. Airway management will be at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. Each patient will receive the antiemetic ondansetron 0.1mg/kg IV.
Inhalational TechniqueOndansetronAll patients will receive Ametop local anesthetic to the dorsum of both hands 30-45 minutes prior to induction. After inhalation induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane (in 100% O2), an IV will be obtained. Anesthesia will be maintained with sevoflurane (in a mixture of air:oxygen) with a minimum alveolar concentration of 1.0-1.3, titrated to effect. No long acting opioids or nitrous oxide will be used. Airway management will be at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. Each patient will receive the antiemetic ondansetron 0.1mg/kg IV.
Total Intravenous Anesthetic TechniqueOndansetronAll patients will receive Ametop local anesthetic to the dorsum of both hands 30-45 minutes prior to IV insertion. Once an IV is established, patients will receive an IV bolus of propofol (2-6mg/kg). Anesthesia will be maintained with a propofol infusion starting at 250 mcg/kg/min and titrated to effect. Airway management will be at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. Each patient will receive the antiemetic ondansetron 0.1mg/kg IV.
Total Intravenous Anesthetic TechniquePropofolAll patients will receive Ametop local anesthetic to the dorsum of both hands 30-45 minutes prior to IV insertion. Once an IV is established, patients will receive an IV bolus of propofol (2-6mg/kg). Anesthesia will be maintained with a propofol infusion starting at 250 mcg/kg/min and titrated to effect. Airway management will be at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. Each patient will receive the antiemetic ondansetron 0.1mg/kg IV.
Total Intravenous Anesthetic TechniqueAmetopAll patients will receive Ametop local anesthetic to the dorsum of both hands 30-45 minutes prior to IV insertion. Once an IV is established, patients will receive an IV bolus of propofol (2-6mg/kg). Anesthesia will be maintained with a propofol infusion starting at 250 mcg/kg/min and titrated to effect. Airway management will be at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. Each patient will receive the antiemetic ondansetron 0.1mg/kg IV.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV)12-15 weeks from date of randomization

The WPPSI - IV is designed for children aged 2.5 to 7.5 years, and is used to assess general intelligence.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 1.5 to 5 yearsChange from baseline at 12-13 weeks after randomization

The CBCL is widely used for identifying problem behaviors in children ages 1.5 to 5 years

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Calgary

🇨🇦

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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