Fears over baby anaesthetics

Many newborns require anaesthetics

Anaesthetics given to newborn babies could damage their brains, a study suggests.

Researchers in the United States believe some gases could destroy cells in key areas of an infant's brain.

Their findings are based on laboratory tests on rats.

All of the agents currently used on children in the UK have undergone extensive testing

Prof Peter Hutton, Royal College of Anaesthetists

However, the Royal College of Anaesthetists said British doctors worked to very strict guidelines and there was no evidence babies were being put in danger.

Dr Kerry Thompson and colleagues at the University of California in Los Angeles tested the effects of urethane on two-week-old rats.

Laboratory tests

These rats were at the same developmental stage as a newborn baby.

Urethane is a common anaesthesia for animals. However, it is no longer used on humans because of fears it could cause cancer.

Nevertheless, it is similar to other anaesthetic gases which are used including halothane.

The UCLA researchers found that urethane destroyed neurons in parts of the brain responsible for memory, emotions and sensory information.

In the worst affected regions, up to 20% of cells in these vital areas were killed.

The researchers found that the problem may be even worse if the gas is administered during brain surgery.

Their tests showed that up to 80% of these cells were killed if the rats had a needle inserted into the brain in a similar way to brain surgery.

According to New Scientist magazine, the researchers were unable to say whether the damage was long-term or irreversible.

However, they did describe the findings as worrying.

The researchers found that damage to cells was reduced if the rats were even just one week older as the brain was stronger.

They suggested the findings should be considered by those caring for newborn infants.

However, Professor Peter Hutton president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists said the findings should not cause alarm.

"All of the agents currently used on children in the UK have undergone extensive testing.

"We have extremely strict guidelines on who and how anaesthetics should be administered. Our safety record is also very good."

Speaking to BBC News Online, he added: "There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that any anaesthetic released for human use causes any damage to neurons."