How anesthetics affect brain development in children
Official title: Mitochondria and anesthetic-induced developmental neurotoxicity
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10906738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how general anesthesia might affect the brains of young children under three years old, trying to understand if it can cause problems with thinking and behavior later on, so we can find ways to keep these little ones safe during surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148177-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of three who require surgical procedures involving general anesthesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who do not require anesthesia for surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential harmful effects of general anesthetics on the developing brains of children, particularly those under the age of three. It focuses on understanding how these anesthetics can cause acute brain injuries that may lead to long-term cognitive and behavioral issues. The study employs advanced techniques, including CRISPR, to explore the role of mitochondria in neuronal health and how their dysfunction may contribute to these adverse effects. By identifying the mechanisms behind anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity, the research aims to pave the way for developing protective strategies for vulnerable pediatric patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer anesthetic practices for children, reducing the risk of cognitive and behavioral problems associated with surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential neurotoxic effects of anesthetics in children, but this study aims to explore uncharted mechanisms, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bai, Xiaowen — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Bai, Xiaowen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.