Anesthesia Neurodevelopmental Impact in Congenital Scoliosis Children

Long-term Effect of General Anesthesia Before School Age on Neurodevelopment in Children With Congenital Scoliosis

In the past, a large number of animal studies have suggested that anesthesia exposure has potential neurotoxic effects, resulting in persistent cognitive and behavioral deficits. At present, there is still a lack of sufficient clinical research evidence to prove whether anesthesia exposure has long-term effects on neurodevelopment. The existing clinical research data suggests that a single short-time anesthesia exposure in young children does not affect long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early onset scoliosis, including congenital scoliosis, is a type of scoliosis deformity that occurs before the age of 10. Posterior scoliosis correction surgery is one of the common treatment. There is currently no research indicating the impact of early single or multiple long-duration anesthesia exposure on the neurological development of children with congenital scoliosis. The aim of this study is to determine the long-term effect of general anesthesia exposure on neurocognitive function and behavior in children with congenital scoliosis, in order to provide reference for related clinical work.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with congenital scoliosis
• 6-16 years old at the time of assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment caused by congenital, traumatic or other reasons;
• Existence of mental or psychological disorders;
• There are factors that may affect neurological development, including any known central nervous system disease, neurological injury, or history of neonatal asphyxia;
• Unable to cooperate with cognitive function tests;
• The child is unable to communicate in Chinese.