The Effects of Occupational Exposure to Isoflurane Anesthetic Gas on Cardiopulmonary Function and Practical Capacity of Operating Room Staff

The effects of chronic exposure to isoflurane anesthetic gas at a concentration of 13 ppm on the function of cardiovascular and respiratory systems of hospital operating room staff are investigated in this study.

Methods and Materials:

 Subjects included operating room staff (experimental group: 10 men and 10 women) and control group has been selected from other wards of hospital both voluntarily and purposefully with the mean age of 35.8±5.29, work experience of 13.15±4.64, and the BMI is equal to 24.59±3.51 KG/M2 with daily step of 4124.35±1016.19 . First, eligible subjects have performed a 6MWDT cardiovascular function sub-maximal test. Then they have performed a jogging ablation program on a treadmill in a separate session. Spiro metric maneuvers were also performed (% FVC,% FEVC, FEVC / FVC) by KNUDSON method to measure pulmonary capacity.

The results of MANOVA statistical analysis showed that, in the situation without gender intervention, operating room staff in selected cardiovascular function indices were significantly lower than the control group (p <0.05). There was a significant difference in pulmonary indices and shortness of breath between the two groups (p <0.05). Considering gender factor intervention men and women had a significant differences in some cardiovascular and respiratory indices respectively (p <0.05).

Decreased cardiopulmonary function and dysphea during standard submaximal physical activity were more pronounced in operating room staff than in the control group. In contrast, women in the experimental group had lower respiratory tract efficiency than their control group counterpart.