Key result
Nitrous oxide exposure causes vitamin B12 inactivation, leading to megaloblastic anemia and spinal cord degeneration.
Why the study?
Nitrous oxide has recognized adverse effects including vitamin B12 inactivation and cavity expansion, but its overall cardiovascular effects and teratogenicity require clarification.
What are the adverse effects associated with nitrous oxide use?
What are the adverse effects associated with nitrous oxide use?
Nitrous oxide is associated with significant adverse effects including vitamin B12 inactivation and teratogenicity, though its cardiovascular effects in noncardiac surgery appear minor.
May warrant caution with nitrous oxide in pregnancy and B12 deficiency; leaves open safe exposure thresholds.
Summary Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been used as an anaesthetic agent since 1844. It has two well recognized adverse effects: it oxidizes Co(I) to Co(II) and so inactivates vitamin B12, and its high partial pressure in blood allows it to expand into cavities in the body such as the pleural space. Impairment of the action of vitamin B12 can cause both megaloblastic anaemia and, especially in recreational users of N2O, the syndrome of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. The overall cardiovascular effects in noncardiac surgery seem to be minor. N2O is probably a human teratogen.
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Ferner et al. (2014) reported a review. Nitrous oxide (N2O) was evaluated. Nitrous oxide exposure causes vitamin B12 inactivation leading to megaloblastic anaemia and spinal cord degeneration, expands into body cavities, and is a probable human teratogen.
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