The occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and postoperative delirium (POD) is a significant concern in anesthesia care, particularly in elderly and pediatric populations. Sevoflurane, as a widely used inhalational anesthetic, has been the subject of extensive research in relation to these outcomes.

In adult and elderly patients, the incidence of POCD and POD can vary widely. While studies have explored the comparative effects of different anesthetic agents, the direct link between sevoflurane and the precipitation of these conditions remains complex. Some research suggests that sevoflurane may not differ significantly from other volatile anesthetics in terms of causing short-term cognitive deficits, with cognitive scores typically returning to baseline within hours of recovery. However, emerging research also points to potential longer-term impacts, especially in elderly patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment, where sevoflurane might have a more pronounced effect compared to propofol in some studies.

For pediatric patients, the concern about anesthesia's impact on developing brains is particularly acute. Studies investigating the association between sevoflurane and behavioral outcomes like emergence delirium and POD have yielded mixed results. While some research indicates a higher incidence of emergence agitation with sevoflurane compared to total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), other studies show similar rates of POD between sevoflurane and desflurane. The duration of sevoflurane exposure is also a key factor, with shorter exposures (<1 hour) in infants showing no significant increase in adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in recent studies.

The management of sevoflurane postoperative delirium and cognitive issues involves careful patient monitoring and potentially the use of adjunct therapies. Further research is ongoing to identify specific risk factors and to develop strategies, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, to mitigate these risks. For healthcare providers seeking to purchase sevoflurane, ensuring a reliable supply from qualified sevoflurane suppliers is crucial for maintaining consistent patient care standards.