We Need Proper Case Reports and Data to Interpret Reports of Peri-operative Deaths in Venezuelan Children

Abstract

A report describing several perioperative deaths amongst Venezuelan children raises substantial clinical concern and demands scientific scrutiny. Rozo L, Franco OH, Bonilla AJ. Mitochondrial genetic susceptibility to anesthetic neurotoxicity in Venezuelan pediatric patients: A Call for vigilance and further research. https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.ascr.1001091. Archives of Surgery and Clinical Research. 2025;9(2):042-4. According to the authors, the affected children experienced severe brain injuries or death following routine surgeries under general anaesthesia with sevoflurane, leading to the hypothesis that an inherited mitochondrial DNA variant may underlie a lethal drug–genome interaction. Whilst any paediatric peri-operative death warrants urgent investigation, the extraordinary nature of this claim requires equally compelling evidence. At present, the absence of detailed case descriptions, clinical data, and laboratory findings prevents meaningful evaluation by clinicians, scientists, or regulatory authorities. Premature recommendations for major changes in anaesthetic practice risk causing unintended harm without adequate justification. Immediate transparency is essential. Comprehensive case reports and supporting data should be shared with national regulatory bodies and the drug manufacturer, who are best positioned to assess the situation. Until such evidence is provided, no substantive clinical action can reasonably be taken.