Impact of General Anesthesia on Ciliary Functional Analysis by Digital High-Speed Videomicroscopy in Suspected Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Abstract: Digital high-speed videomicroscopy (DHSV) is a crucial tool for evaluating ciliary function
in children suspected of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). However, until now, samples are
taken without anesthesia due to uncertainty about its effect on ciliary function and DHSV interpretation.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of general anesthesia on ciliary functional analysis
by DHSV in a series of three patients listed for ENT surgeries, which could improve diagnostic
procedures for pediatric patients. Patient 1 (7-year-old girl) underwent adenotonsillectomy and
tympanostomy placement tube, while patients 2 (17-month-old boy) and 3 (15-month-old girl) underwent
adenoidectomy and tympanostomy placement tube. All patients underwent nasal brushing
before general anesthesia (control sample). Experimental samples were taken in the contralateral
nostril at the time of equilibration of the anesthetic agents (sevoflurane, propofol, sufentanil). Ciliary
beat frequency and pattern were measured using digital high-speed videomicroscopy. Our findings
highlighted the variability of respiratory ciliary function under general anesthesia among individuals.
Our results emphasize the need for caution when interpreting ciliary function data obtained during
general anesthesia. Further research with larger cohorts is warranted for validation.