Anita Lesko
Columbia University, USA
Title: The Autistic Anesthetist: What Every Parent Needs to know before their Autistic Child Gets Anesthesia
Biography
Biography: Anita Lesko
Abstract
Autistic individuals often have several metabolic dysfunctions as compared to those of the general population. Anesthesia providers need to view autistic patients the same way they do hepatic and renal impaired patients. They may have deficiency in methylation pathways and glutathione production which can decrease the liver’s ability to detoxify the body. Autistic individuals might have Mitochondrial Dysfunction, leading to increased sensitivity to many drugs used in anesthesia. Mitochondrial Dysfunction is also associated to cardiomyopathy and increased chance of arrhythmias. Surgical stress can lead to worsening of metabolic abnormalities, leading to electrolyte imbalances. Mitochondrial Dysfunction can also lead to ketosis from surgical stress. Autistic children have been found to have compromised methylation. Autistic children might also be on antipsychotic drugs or stimulants. Given these significant potential dysfunctions in autistic children, it is recommended to re-think the plan for anesthesia in this population. There are many ways to approach the choices for anesthesia. There are also additional techniques that can enhance the surgical experience of a child with autism.