Physiological Effects of Wearing N95 Respirator on Medical Staff During Prolong Work Hours in Covid-19 Departments.
prospective_cohort · Level II
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 35543650.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002542 and PMC identifier 9275795.
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Abstract
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. 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. 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.
Medical subject headings
- COVID-19
- Respiratory Protective Devices