Immunological status in anaesthetic personnel chronically exposed to nitrous oxide and halothane in operating theatre in Tanta University Hospitals

Immunological status of individuals occupationally and chronically exposed to low levels of halothane and nitrous oxide in unscavenging operating theatre was examined and compared with that of non-exposed controls. This study was conducted on 26 personnel of both sex, 9 controls [unexposed] and 17 exposed persons. The period of exposure was between 3-5 years. Haemoglobin concentration, red cell count and haematocrite value showed insignificant changes [P> 0.05] when compared with the control group. Also, segmented neutrohils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes percentage did not alter significantll [P> 0.05] from the control group. On the other hand, the total leuococytic count showed significant decrease [P< 0.05] in exposed group when compared with the control group. Total T-lymphocytes [OKT3], OKT4 AND OKT8 percentages were significantly increased [P< 0.05] while their absolute numbers and OKT4/OKT8 ratio were insignificantly changed [P> 0.05] when compared with the non exposed group. No significant change [P> 0.05] were reported in serum I[g]a, I[g]m and I[g]e, but a significant diminution [P< 0.05] was found in I[g]g concentrations