Physiological Effects of Wearing N95 Respirator on Medical Staff During Prolong Work Hours in Covid-19 Departments.
J Occup Environ Med
; 64(6): e378-e380, 2022 06 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1840102
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the current study was to determine gas exchange abnormalities and physiological changes among healthcare workers during a 4-hour emergency department (ED) shift while wearing the N95 respirator.METHODS:
Single-center prospective observational study. Comparisons of paired measurements were performed using a non-parametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test.Results:
Forty-one subjects were included. Prolonged N95 respirator use was associated with a significant decline in plasma pH (7.35 mmHg vs 7.34 mmHg, P = 0.02), PvO 2 (23.2 mmHg vs 18.6 mmHg, P < 0.001) and a concurrent increase in EtCO 2 (32.5 mmHg vs 38.5 mmHg, P < 0.0001). PvCO 2 and bicarbonate levels did not differ. No significant change was observed for heart rate or oxygen saturation.CONCLUSION:
Using an N95 respirator for prolonged periods by healthcare professionals may provoke changes in gas exchange. The clinical significance of these changes remains to be determined.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Respiratory Protective Devices
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Occup Environ Med
Journal subject:
Occupational Medicine
/
Environmental Health
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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