Intelligence and Neurodevelopmental Disorders After Prenatal Exposure to General Anaesthesia

Launched by UNIVERSITAIRE ZIEKENHUIZEN KU LEUVEN · Oct 7, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This is a observational, multicenter study in Belgium that asks whether being exposed to general anesthesia before birth (because the mother needed abdominal surgery during pregnancy) affects a child’s intelligence and overall neurodevelopment later on. The researchers will compare children who were exposed in utero to those who were not, using standard IQ tests that fit each child’s age (Wechsler scales). They will also look at behavior and social skills through questionnaires.

Who can be included? About 128 children aged 2 to 27 years, born between 2000 and 2023, from three Belgian hospitals (Imelda Hospital in Bonheiden, UZ Leuven, and AZ Delta in Roeselare). Parents must give consent, and the child should be Dutch-speaking. The study includes two groups: children whose mothers had prenatal general anesthesia for abdominal surgery (e.g., to treat appendix issues, ovarian problems, gallbladder issues, or similar diagnostic procedures) and children whose mothers did not have anesthesia exposure during pregnancy. Exclusions include pregnancies with obstetric/fetal surgery, severe genetic disabilities, or major birth defects. The study is currently enrolling by invitation, with results expected around 2027. Data are not shared publicly, and the project is led by KU Leuven with appropriate oversight.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Prenatal anaesthesia exposure:
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Prenatal anaesthesia exposure: Children exposed in utero to maternal general anaesthesia to allow laparoscopy or laparotomy for appendicectomy, adnexal pathology, cholecystectomy or for diagnostic procedures to rule out intra-abdominal pathology
• • No prenatal anaesthesia exposure: Children not exposed to general anaesthesia for non-obstetric or obstetric (e.g. cesarean section) surgery in utero
• • Children born in 2000-2023
• • (Parental) informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children whose mothers underwent obstetric surgery or foetal surgery/interventions during the same pregnancy.
• • No Dutch-speaking children
• • Diagnosis of severe disability of genetic origin (e.g., Fragil X, Down syndrome,...), history of head trauma, major congenital birth defects