Physiological Effects of Wearing N95 Respirator on Medical Staff During Prolong Work Hours in Covid-19 Departments

Liran Shechtman, Gal Ben-Haim, Ilan Ben-Zvi, Laurence Steel, Avinoah Ironi, Ella Huszti, Sumit Chatterji, Liran Levy, Liran Shechtman, Gal Ben-Haim, Ilan Ben-Zvi, Laurence Steel, Avinoah Ironi, Ella Huszti, Sumit Chatterji, Liran Levy

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.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interests.

Copyright © 2022 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Effects of prolonged N95 respirator use on pH level (A); partial pressure of venous carbon dioxide (PCO2) (B); partial pressure of venous oxygen (PO2) (C); bicarbonate level (HCO3) (D).

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Source: PubMed

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