Study of Some Health Hazards among Operating Theater Personnel Due to Exposure to Anesthetic Gases (II) | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine | ||||
| Article 1, Volume 43, Issue 3, September 2019, Page 313-329 PDF (243.1 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2019.47401 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
| Siha MS* 1; Farahat SA2; Rashed LA3; Helmy NM2 | ||||
| 11Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine | ||||
| 2Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine | ||||
| 3Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Introduction: Anesthetics are essential materials used in hospitals to induce unconsciousness in patients prior to surgical procedures. The most commonly used agents are isoflurane , sevoflurane and halothane. Aim of work: To assess the health effects of exposure to anesthetic gazes focusing on hepatic and renal manifestations among operating room (OR) personnel. Materials and methods: Operating room (OR) personnel (184: 68 males and 116 females) were included in the study and compared with 192 (63 males and 129 females) from other departments staff of the same hospital mainly from internal medicine hospital and outpatient clinics. The studied groups filled a questionnaire including personnel, family, past and present histories. Liver and kidney function tests were examined. Plain urine samples were collected at the end of shift to test for β2 microglobulin. Operating theaters were evaluated regarding the type of breathing circuits used whether open or closed, the type of anesthetic gases used, presence of air conditioning, and scavenging system. Isoflurane air level was measured using the organic method 103 by OSHA. Results: OR personnel experienced symptoms namely headache, tiredness, drowsiness, and decreased memory compared with their controls, without having statistical significance except for headache. There was a statistically significant increase in the level of ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), total bilirubin, urea, creatinine and B2 microglobulin among exposed when compared to the control group. Also AST (Aspartate transaminase), ALP, direct bilirubin, B2 microglobulin, urea and creatinine were higher among personnel using both open and closed circuits than in those using closed circuits only. The mean values of AST, ALP, total bilirubin, B2 microglibulin urea and creatinine were higher among personnel using isoflurane, sevoflurane and halothane (3 types of anesthetic gazes) more than those using isoflurane and sevoflurane or those using isoflurane only. The mean levels of urea and creatinine were statistically higher among surgeons when compared to other groups. Conclusion: Personnel working in operating theaters are more at risk to develop disturbances in liver and kidney functions compared to the controls especially surgeons. Recommendations: Implementation of adequate and working scavenging system, air conditioning, use of closed circuits whenever possible, periodic checking of anesthetic air levels, periodic biochemical analysis for OR personnel, and replacement of any malfunctioning parts of anesthesia machine. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Liver function tests; Kidney function tests; Isoflurane; Sevoflurane and Operating room personnel | ||||
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