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.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9275795 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000002542 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!