Assessment of genotoxic damage in nurses occupationally exposed to antineoplastics by the analysis of chromosomal aberrations.

To estimate the genotoxic risk of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs, chromosomal aberration (CAs) frequencies in peripheral lymphocytes were determined for 20 nurses handling antineoplastics and 18 referents matched for age and sex. Urinary cyclophosphamide (CP) excretion rates, which are used as a marker for drug handling, were also measured on these nurses. We have observed significant frequencies of CAs (about 2.5-fold increase) including chromatid breaks, gaps, and acentric fragments for nurses handling antineoplastics as compared to control subjects (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, excluding and including gaps, respectively). The mean value of CP excretion rate for 12 nurses was 1.63 microg/24 h, suggesting that when the nurses handled CP (and other antineoplastic drugs) this particular compound was absorbed. Our study has shown that increased genetic damage was evident in nurses, at population level, due to occupational exposure to antineoplastics. Until the effects of handling antineoplastics from low-level exposure are known, it will be important to keep the exposure to a minimum.

Investigation into effectiveness of counseling on assisted reproductive techniques in Turkey.

This experimental study was conducted to determine the specific problems experienced by couples participating in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and to assess couples' counseling needs. It was also intended to determine the effects of the counseling service model, developed and implemented by the researcher, on the success rate of ART, and to assess the couples' anxiety, depression and life satisfaction levels. Thirty couples for the experimental group and 30 couples for the control group were included in the study. The couples in the control group experienced the routine procedures that the treatment currently includes. Couples in the experimental group took part in the counseling service model, and were informed and supported throughout the steps of the ART A guide developed for the couples and education material developed for the counseling service model were used during the study. Three psychological tests were given to the couples before (pretest) and after (post-test) each procedure. These tests included anxiety, depression and life satisfaction inventories. The difference means test and Student's t test were used for statistical analysis. The results of the study showed that couples in the experimental group had lower anxiety and depression scores than the couples in the control group. Life satisfaction scores and pregnancy rates were higher for couples in the experimental group than for the couples in the control group. Statistical evaluation showed that the difference between the experimental group and the control group was significant (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates the importance of the counseling role of the nurse, and the development and application of counseling services in ART centers, in lowering the anxiety and depression levels of couples and ensuring success of the treatment.