True or False: Seizures after CPB are significantly more frequent in neonates compared to adults.

Seizures after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are indeed more frequently observed in neonates compared to adults. The developing brain of neonates is particularly vulnerable to various stressors, including those related to the perioperative period such as hypoxia, alterations in blood flow, and metabolic disturbances.

In neonates, the incidence of seizures can be attributed to several factors, including the immaturity of the nervous system, underlying congenital abnormalities, and the effects of the surgical intervention itself. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances and reduced cerebral perfusion, which can further increase the risk of seizures in this population.

In contrast, adults generally have more mature neurological systems and tend to have fewer occurrences of seizures post-CPB, partly due to their more robust physiological reserve and the body’s ability to compensate during surgery. While seizures can occur in adults as well, it is less common when compared to the neonate population.

Thus, the assertion that seizures after CPB are significantly more frequent in neonates than in adults is supported by clinical data and reflects the heightened risk factors present in the immature brain of neonates.