Adverse Health Effect of Occupational Exposure to Cisplatin Among Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Introduction: The Cis-diaminedichloroplatinum (Cisplatin) is one of the most efficient drugs used for treating many kinds of malignant tumors. The cytotoxicity of Cisplatin was not only affecting patients treated by Cisplatin but also can have an adverse effect among health care workers exposed to that drug during its preparation and/ or administration. Aim of work: To assess the deleterious effects of Cisplatin drug exposure on DNA among healthcare workers at the Oncology Department of Kasr Al Aini Hospital and estimation of early detection tools to be used as bioindicators for Cisplatin exposure. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was carried out on two groups, an exposed and a control group. The exposed group consisted of 32 nurses which represent the total number of nurses who are working in the chemotherapeutic section of the Oncology Department at Kasr Al Aini Hospital, Cairo University. The control group was composed of 37 nurses randomly selected from other departments of Kasr Al Aini Hospital and have never been exposed to antineoplastic drugs. Both groups were interviewed using specially designed questionnaire, clinical examination including general and systemic examination. Laboratory investigations were done including: blood picture, liver and kidney functions and estimation of Cisplatin DNA adduct blood levels. Results: The prevalence of menstrual disorders was significantly higher among the exposed compared to the non-exposed group (odds Ratio=8.3), there was statistically significantly higher rates of abortions outcomes among exposed female workers and wives of exposed male workers (odds ratio=1.2). Also the prevalence of frequent infections and hair loss was 37.5% and 68.8% respectively among the exposed