Dexmedetomidine Mitigates Sevoflurane-Induced Neurodevelopmental Effects in Paediatric Anaesthesia: A Meta-Analysis and Preclinical Study.

ABSTRACT: Sevoflurane (Sevo) anaesthesia in children is linked to an increased incidence of postoperative emergence agitation (EA) and potential neurotoxicity in developing brains. However, the specific risks of subanaesthetic foetal or neonatal exposure to Sevo remain unclear. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of combining dexmedetomidine (Dex) with Sevo to manage EA in paediatric anaesthesia. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials involving children under 8 years old revealed that Dex significantly reduces EA incidence when administered via intravenous, perineural, and intranasal routes. Using in utero electroporation, we found that pregnant mice exposed to 2.5% Sevo at embryonic days 14.5 and 15.5 exhibited transient neuronal migration deficits,

SUBMITTER: Lao HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12779744 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature