ABSTRACT
One of the most common complaints after coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] is postoperative pain. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and antineuralgic agent. To evaluate the analgesic effect of preemptive gabapentin on post-operative pain and morphine consumption after cardiac surgery. A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 male candidates for CABG. The patients were divided into two groups-the gabapentin [n=30] and the control group [n=30]. The test group received 800 mg gabapentin orally two hours before the surgery followed by 400 mg of the drug two hours post-extubation. The control group received placebo instead. Then severity of pain was recorded according to an 11-point visual analog pain scale. The amount of morphine consumed, its side effects and hemodynamic changes were also recorded during and at 2, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours after extubation. The mean +/- SD cumulative morphine consumption at the first 24 hours after extubation in gabapentin group was 0.9 +/- 1.5 mg while it was 1.5 +/- 4 mg for the control group. Therefore, gabapentin group consumed 38% less than the control group [P=0.01]. The pain scores during rest and coughing at 2, 6, and 12 hours after extubation were also significantly lower in the gabapentin group compared with the control group [P=0.02]. The mean +/- SD mechanical ventilation time was 5.4 +/- 1.7 hours for gabapentin group and 1.6 +/- 4.4 hours for the control group [P=0.035]. The other variables including hemodynamic changes [HR, SBP and DBP], and incidence of nausea, vomiting and respiratory depression showed no significant difference between the studied groups within 24 hours after extubation. Oral pre-medication with gabapentin before CABG significantly reduces post-operative pain and morphine consumption in adult cardiac surgery
ABSTRACT
Shift work is programmed in various schedules, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main purposes of this study were: a] to determine common shift schedules used in petrochemical industries, b] to compare shift work health-related problems among employees working in different shift schedules and c] to recommend appropriate shift schedule. This cross-sectional study was carried out at 14 petrochemical companies. Study population consisted of 987 shift workers. Data on demographic features, shift schedule and adverse effects of shift work were collected via anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. Among 987 studied shift employees, 27% worked in 3M-3E-3N-3Res, 61% in 4M-4E-4N-4Res and 12% in 12-hour schedules. Health problems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among 4M-4E-4N-4Res schedule shift workers were significantly less prevalent than other schedules [P<0.05]. Furthermore, the results showed that the prevalence rates of health problems among 12-hour schedule shift workers were higher than 3M-3E-3N-3Res schedule workers. Since 12-hour schedule caused higher rates of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among shift workers as compared with 4M-4E-4N-4Res and 3M-3E-3N-3Res schedules, it should be avoided in shift system. Based on the results, 8-hour schedules with clockwise rapid rotation are recommended
ABSTRACT
Shift work is a major feature of working life that affects diverse aspects of human life. The objective of this study was to investigate shift workrelated health problems and their associated risk factors among employees of petrochemical industries. This cross-sectional study was carried out at 14 petrochemical companies in 2009. Study population consisted of 2357 workers [including 43.7% shift workers and 56.3% day workers]. Data on personal details, shift schedule and adverse effects of shift work were collected by anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. The level of significance was set at <5%. The mean of age in day workers and shift workers was estimated 36.26 +/- 8.20 and 34.96 +/- 8.08, respectively. Also, the mean of job tenure in both groups was estimated 10.83 +/- 7.50 and 10.15 +/- 7.55 years, respectively. Although, the results showed that health problems among shift workers was more prevalent than day workers, but the differences were only significant in relation to gastrointestinal and psychological disorders [P<0.05]. Multiple linear regressions indicated that in addition to shift working, other variants such as long working hours, type of employment, second job, age and education were associated with health problems. Prevalence rates of gastrointestinal and psychological problems among shift workers were significantly higher than those of day workers. Although, working in shift system was the main significant factor associated with the reported problems, other demographic and work variables were also found to have association
ABSTRACT
Exposure to flour dust and related allergens is one of the most common causes of occupational airway disease [OAD] and occupational asthma [OA]. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory effects of exposure to high atmospheric concentrations of flour dust. This study was carried out in a local flour producing factory in Shiraz, in 1384. Sixty seven subjects [35 exposed and 32 non-exposed] were investigated. The prevalence of respiratory symptom as well as lung function capacities was evaluated. Additionally, atmospheric concentrations of flour dust were measured. The data were analyzed by Independent sample t-test, Chi-square or fisher's exact test and multiple linear regression. Atmospheric concentrations of dust exceeded current permissible levels. Additionally, exposed workers had higher prevalence rates of regular cough, productive cough, wheezing, phlegm and shortness of breath. Likewise, significant [p<0.05] decrements in the parameters of pulmonary function were noted. The findings of this study provide additional corroborative evidence in favour of the notion that after adjusting for age, smoking habits and other confounders, a strong association exists between exposure to flour dust and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and functional impairments of the lungs
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this study was to assess the acute and chronic effects of occupational exposure to low levels of formaldehyde on respiratory health. This historical cohort study was conducted at a local melamine-formaldehyde resin producing plant. The study population consisted of seventy exposed and 24 non-exposed [referent] employees. In this study, a questionnaire was used to evaluate and determined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Atmospheric concentrations of formaldehyde were measured at different areas of the plant. Similarly, using a spirometer, the parameters of pulmonary function were measured during exposure and a few days after exposure ceased. Atmospheric concentrations of formaldehyde marginally exceeded current permissible levels. Additionally, significant decrements in some parameters of pulmonary function, both during and after exposure were noted. However, a relative recovery in lung functional capacity observed following temporary cessation of exposure. Furthermore, exposed workers had higher prevalence rates of regular cough, wheezing, phlegm, shortness of breath, chest tightness and episodes of chest illness associated with cold. The findings of this study indicate that exposure to formaldehyde may induce respiratory symptoms, acute partially reversible and chronic irreversible functional impairments of the lungs
ABSTRACT
Millions of workers are the victims of different kinds of accidents every year throughout the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between safety attitude and occurrence of the occupational accidents. This investigation was a cross-sectional study performed in a gas refinery in south of Iran in 2008. Sample size of this study was 176 people. To determine the value of worker's safety attitude a validated 5 degrees questionnaire was used. Different statistic analyses including Chi-square, t-test and Logistic Regression were used by Spssll.5 to analyze the data. The Cronbachs alpha coefficient was found to be 0.97 in this investigation. In the study population, the average age was 31.67[ +/- 5.89], the average work experience was 5.65 [ +/- 4.29] and the average of the safety attitude was 188.52[ +/- 14.84] and only 28.7% were injured through accidents. The relationship between safety attitude of the workers and the accidents occurred was significant [P< 0.0001]. The relationship between safety attitude of the workers and the accidents occurred was significant, although the relation was not significant for graduate workers. No significant relationship was found between safety attitude and accident in accordance with worker's age and work experience