European journal of anaesthesiology
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Accumulating preclinical data indicate that neonatal exposure to general anaesthetics is detrimental to the central nervous system. Some studies, however, display potential protective effects of exactly the same anaesthetic agents on the immature brain. The effects of inhaled anaesthetics on the developing brain have received close attention from researchers, clinicians and the public in recent decades. ⋯ The majority of studies have linked inhaled anaesthetics to toxic effects in the neonatal brain of rodents, piglets and primates. Only a few studies, however, could demonstrate long-lasting cognitive impairment. The results of inhalational anaesthetic-induced neuroprotection in perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury are a promising basis for more research in this field. In general, prospective clinical trials are needed to further differentiate the effects of inhaled anaesthetics on the immature brain.
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Target-controlled infusions (TCIs) of propofol are commonly used for general anaesthesia. The Marsh model pharmacokinetic parameter set incorporated in TCI devices for propofol could increase bias when used in obese patients. ⋯ BMI influences blood propofol concentrations, leading to the possibility of overdosage of propofol in obese patients when the Marsh model is used to assess propofol concentration. Our new method using corrected Cp might improve this bias in obese, Japanese patients.