Behavioral regression in 2 patients with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder after oral surgery performed with a general anesthetic.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Routine dental care for people with autism spectrum disorders can be complex. There is little published on postoperative behavioral changes associated with use of general anesthetics in this population.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors describe postoperative behavioral changes in 2 patients with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that the patients' caretakers described as regression. In both cases, behaviors representative of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder worsened after uncomplicated oral surgery after receipt of a general anesthetic in the operating room. In both cases, behavioral changes caused great difficulties for the patients and caretakers and were difficult to address.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: With little in the scientific literature, these 2 cases have a great importance for the dental care practitioner. Awareness must be raised so that further investigation can occur regarding this phenomenon.