Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder after early exposure to procedures requiring general anesthesia.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To study the association between exposure to procedures performed under general anesthesia before age 2 years and development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Patients and methods

Study patients included all children born between January 1, 1976, and December 31, 1982, in Rochester, MN, who remained in Rochester after age 5. Cases of ADHD diagnosed before age 19 years were identified by applying stringent research criteria. Cox proportional hazards regression assessed exposure to procedures requiring general anesthesia (none, 1, 2 or more) as a predictor of ADHD using a stratified analysis with strata based on a propensity score including comorbid health conditions.

Results

Among the 5357 children analyzed, 341 ADHD cases were identified (

SUBMITTER: Sprung J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3538403 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature