Evaluation of the Toxic Health Hazards in Female Nurses Chronically Exposed to Anaesthetic Gases

Abstract

Background: Volatile anaesthetics are the major pollutants in operating and recovery rooms of hospitals; where the health care personnel are exposed. Serious health effects may result from chronic exposure to low levels of anaesthetic gases inhalation. Aim of The study: The study was carried out to investigate the possible hepatic, renal, haematological and immune parameters alterations in a group of workers chronically exposed to volatile anaesthetic gases compared to a non-exposed control group. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-two operating room female nurses were recruited. The control group consisted of twenty-two non-exposed similar for gender and age. Each subject examined for Hepatic function: [levels of liver transaminases (Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total Bilirubin]; Kidney function: [Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine]; Haematological profile [complete blood count (CBC)] and Immune phenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes measured by flow cytometry. Results: The exposed group showed an increased prevalence of headache, asthenia, gastritis, mouth herpes, allergic reactions, rhinitis, hypertension, arrhythmia, menstrual disorders, abortion, and infertility compared to control group. The hepatic and kidney function markers were highly significantly increased in exposed group compared to control. In addition, a statistically significant decrease in total white blood cells count (WBCs), Neutrophils percentage and a significant increase in lymphocyte percentage were found compared to control group. Furthermore, Cytotoxic T cell (CD8+/CD4-) and natural killer cells (NK) (CD19-/CD56+) percentages increased significantly, While percentages of T helper (CD8-/CD4+) cells and B lymphocytes (CD19+/CD 56-) significantly decreased compared to control group. There were non-significant difference in red blood cells count (RBC), haemoglobin, and platelet count. In conclusion female nurses chronically exposed to low level waste anaesthetic gases developed hepatic, renal, haematological and immune parameters alterations.