Anaesthetic linked to learning problems
A study of the long-term effects of anaesthesia on young children suggests a link between early exposure and learning difficulties, but the researchers caution there's not enough evidence to delay surgery. The link could also be caused by the condition the children are treated before, as well as other external factors. Image: FrankyDeMeyer/iStockphoto Children who are given anaesthetic before the age of three may have an increased risk of developing learning difficulties, according to a new study involving researchers at The University of Western Australia.But researchers have cautioned there is not enough evidence at this stage to change current medical practice and parents should not avoid or delay surgery for their children if needed.An analysis of the long-term effects of anaesthesia on young children - using the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, which is studying 2868 children born in WA between 1989 and 1992 - was published this week in the...