Comparison between inhalational anesthetics in terms of DNA damage and immunological markers.

This study compared genetic damage and immunological markers between surgical patients who underwent inhalational anesthesia with isoflurane or sevoflurane. Blood samples were collected from surgical patients (n = 18 in the isoflurane group and n = 17 in the sevoflurane group) at baseline (before the anesthesia procedure) and the day after anesthesia. DNA damage was detected using an alkaline comet assay; proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 was detected by flow cytometry, and white blood cells were detected via an automatic hematology analyzer. The characteristics of both groups were similar, and neither of the two anesthetics induced DNA damage. Similarly, mild neutrophilia was observed after anesthesia in both groups. Increased IL-6 levels were observed 1 day after anesthesia regardless of the type of anesthetic, but this increase was greater in the isoflurane group. Our study suggested that isoflurane and sevoflurane administration may contribute to changes in the immune parameters measured, though no genotoxic hazard was identified, in healthy adult patients who undergo low-stress surgery.

Global neonatal perioperative mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: There are large differences in health care among countries. A higher perioperative mortality rate (POMR) in neonates than in older children and adults has been recognized worldwide. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of published 24-h and 30-day POMRs in neonates from 2011 to 2022 in countries with different Human Development Index (HDI) levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: A systematic review with a meta-analysis of studies that reported 24-h and 30-day POMRs in neonates was performed. We searched the databases from January 2011 to July 30, 2022. MEASUREMENTS: The POMRs (per 10,000 procedures under anesthesia) were analyzed according to country HDI. The HDI levels ranged from 0 to 1, representing the lowest and highest levels, respectively (very-high-HDI: ≥ 0.800, high-HDI: 0.700-0.799, medium-HDI: 0.550-0.699, and low-HDI: < 0.550). The magnitude of the POMRs by country HDI was studied using meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen studies from 45 countries were included. The 24-h (n = 96 deaths) and 30-day (n = 459 deaths) POMRs were analyzed from 33,729 anesthetic procedures. The odds ratios (ORs) of the 24-h POMR in low-HDI countries were higher than those in very-high- (OR 8.4, 95% CI 1.7-40.4; p = 0.008), high- (OR 7.3, 95% CI 2.2-24.4; p = 0.001) and medium-HDI countries (OR 7.7, 95% CI 3.1-18.7; p < 0.0001) but with no odds differences between very-high- and high-HDI countries (p = 0.879), very-high- and medium-HDI countries (p = 0.915) and high- and medium-HDI countries (p = 0.689). The odds of a 30-day POMR in low-HDI countries were higher than those in very-high-HDI countries (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.9-24.6; p = 0.002) but not in high-HDI countries (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.6-3.0; p = 0.396). CONCLUSIONS: The review demonstrated very high global POMRs in a surgical population of neonates independent of the country HDI level. We identified differences in 24-h and 30-day POMRs between low-HDI countries and other countries with higher HDI levels.

Veterinarians exposed to inhaled anesthetic present chromosome damage, apoptosis and cell cycle changes.

This cross-sectional study evaluated, for the first time, DNA damage, viability, and cell death of lymphocytes and cell cycle phases of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells in veterinarians exposed to the volatile anesthetic isoflurane. Veterinarians who were occupationally exposed to isoflurane (exposed group; n = 20) and matched-unexposed individuals (volunteers without occupational exposure; n = 20) were enrolled in the study. DNA damage was assessed in lymphocytes by micronucleus (MN) and phosphorylated histone gamma-H2AX (γ-H2AX). Cell viability, cytotoxicity, and the cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry. Isoflurane was detected in urine samples by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Compared with unexposed subjects, veterinarians occupationally exposed to isoflurane (25.7 ± 23.7 µg/L urine) presented statistically higher MN frequencies, lymphocytic apoptosis rates, and numbers of polymorphonuclear cells in the G0/G1 stage. Additionally, the exposed group presented statistically lower proportions of viable lymphocytes and G2/M polymorphonuclear cells. Our findings indicate that veterinarians who are frequently exposed to inhaled anesthetic exhibit chromosomal and cell damage in addition to changes in peripheral blood cell proliferation.

Modulation of gene expression and influence of gene polymorphisms related to genotoxicity and redox status on occupational exposure to inhaled anesthetics.

The extensive use of inhalational anesthetics contributes to both indoor and outdoor (environmental) pollution. The influence of genetic susceptibility on DNA damage and oxidative stress and the possible modulation of gene expression have not yet been investigated upon occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs). This study assessed 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene expression, which are related to oxidized DNA repair and antioxidant capacity, respectively, and the influence of their polymorphisms (OGG1 rs1052133 and SOD2 rs4880) in 100 professionals highly exposed to WAGs and 93 unexposed volunteers (control group). Additionally, X-ray repair cross complementing 1 (XRCC1 rs25487 and rs1799782) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM rs600931) gene polymorphisms as well as genetic instability (micronucleus-MN and nuclear bud-NBUD) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde-MDA and ferric reducing antioxidant power-FRAP) biomarkers were assessed in the groups (control and exposed) and in the subgroups of the exposed group according to job occupation (anesthesiologists versus surgeons/technicians). Except for the ATM TT controls (associated with increased FRAP), there were no influences of OGG1, XRCC1, ATM, and SOD2 polymorphisms on MN, NBUD, MDA, and FRAP values in exposed or control subjects. No significant difference in the expression of either gene evaluated (OGG1 and SOD2) was found between the exposed and control groups. Increased OGG1 expression was observed among OGG1 -/Cys individuals only in the control group. Among the exposed group, anesthesiologists had a greater duration of WAG exposure (both h/week and years) than surgeons/technicians, which was associated with increased MDA and decreased antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and SOD2 expression (redox status). Higher expression of OGG1 was found in -/Cys surgeons/technicians than in anesthesiologists with the same genotype. Increased antioxidant capacity was noted in the surgeons/technicians carrying the ATM T allele and in those carrying XRCC1 -/Gln. Increased MN was influenced by OGG1 -/Cys in surgeons/technicians. Anesthesiologists with ATM CC exhibited increased MN, and those carrying the C allele (CC/CT genotype) exhibited increased NBUD. SOD2 polymorphism did not seem to be relevant for WAG exposure. These findings contribute to advancing the knowledge on genetic susceptibility/gene expression/genetic instability/oxidative stress, including differences in job occupation considering the workload, in response to occupational exposure to WAGs.

Global anaesthesia-related cardiac arrest rates in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neonates and infants have a higher perioperative risk of cardiac arrest and mortality than adults. The Human Development Index (HDI) ranges from 0 to 1, representing the lowest and highest levels of development, respectively. The relation between anaesthesia safety and country HDI has been described previously. We examined the relationship among the anaesthesia-related cardiac arrest rate (ARCAR), country HDI, and time in a mixed paediatric patient population. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched up to July 2022 for studies reporting 24-h postoperative ARCARs in children. ARCARs (per 10,000 anaesthetic procedures) were analysed in low-HDI (HDI<0.8) vs high-HDI countries (HDI≥0.8) and over time (pre-2001 vs 2001-22). The magnitude of these associations was studied using systematic review methods with meta-regression analysis and meta-analysis. RESULTS: We included 38 studies with 5,493,489 anaesthetic procedures and 1001 anaesthesia-related cardiac arrests. ARCARs were inversely correlated with country HDI (P<0.0001) but were not correlated with time (P=0.82). ARCARs did not change between the periods in either high-HDI or low-HDI countries (P=0.71 and P=0.62, respectively), but were higher in low-HDI countries than in high-HDI countries (9.6 vs 2.0; P<0.0001) in 2001-22. ARCARs were higher in children aged <1 yr than in those ≥1 yr in high-HDI (10.69 vs 1.48; odds ratio [OR] 8.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.96-10.81; P<0.0001) and low-HDI countries (36.02 vs 2.86; OR 7.32, 95% CI 3.48-15.39; P<0.0001) in 2001-22. CONCLUSIONS: The high and alarming anaesthesia-related cardiac arrest rates among children younger than 1 yr of age in high-HDI and low-HDI countries, respectively, reflect an ongoing challenge for anaesthesiologists. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL: PROSPERO CRD42021229919.

High anesthetic exposure leads to oxidative damage and gene expression changes in physicians during medical residency: a cohort study.

Evaluation of the possible toxic effects of occupational exposure to anesthetics is of great importance, and the literature is limited in assessing the possible association between occupational exposure to anesthetics and oxidative stress and genetic damage. To contribute to the gap of knowledge in relation to cause-effect, this cohort study was the first to monitor exposure assessment and to evaluate oxidative stress, DNA damage, and gene expression (OGG1, NRF2, HO-1, and TP53) in young adult physicians occupationally exposed to the most modern halogenated anesthetics (currently the commonly used inhalational anesthetics worldwide) in addition to nitrous oxide gas during the medical residency period. Therefore, the physicians were evaluated before the beginning of the medical residency (before the exposure to anesthetics-baseline), during (1 1/2 year) and at the end (2 1/2 years) of the medical residency. Anesthetic air monitoring was performed in operating rooms without adequate ventilation/scavenging systems, and biological samples were analyzed for lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, primary and oxidative DNA damage, antioxidant enzymes and plasma antioxidant capacity, and expression of some key genes. The results showed induction of lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, glutathione peroxidase activity, and NRF2 and OGG1 expression up to the end of medical residency. Plasma antioxidant capacity progressively increased throughout medical residency; oxidative DNA damage levels started to increase during medical residency and were higher at the end of residency than at baseline. Protein carbonyls increased during but not at the end of medical residency compared to baseline. The antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase activity remained lower than baseline during and at the end of medical residency, and HO-1 (related to antioxidant defense) expression was downregulated at the end of medical residency. Additionally, anesthetic concentrations were above international recommendations. In conclusion, high concentrations of anesthetic in the workplace induce oxidative stress, gene expression modulation, and genotoxicity in physicians during their specialization period.

Modulation of gene expression and inflammation but not DNA damage after sevoflurane anesthesia.

This study assessed, for the first time, the expression of the genes hOGG1, TP53, and IL-6 in leukocytes by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in surgical patients before (baseline), during (2 h of anesthesia) and 1 day after sevoflurane anesthesia. Additionally, DNA damage was detected by the comet assay, serum interleukin (IL)-6 was detected by flow cytometry, and differential leukocyte counting was also performed. TP53 and hOGG1 expression was downregulated on the day after anesthesia compared to before anesthesia. However, IL-6 expression did not change, and no DNA damage induction was observed during or after anesthesia. At the systemic level, mild neutrophilia and an increase in IL-6 levels occurred after anesthesia. Our findings suggest that sevoflurane anesthesia downregulates gene expression (hOGG1 and TP53) and contributes to an inflammatory status (increased systemic IL-6 and mild neutrophilia) but is not associated with DNA damage in patients without comorbidities who undergo minor elective surgery.

Evaluation of genetic instability, oxidative stress, and metabolism-related gene polymorphisms in workers exposed to waste anesthetic gases.

Professionals who work in operating rooms (ORs) may be exposed daily to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) due to the use of inhalational anesthetics. Considering the controversial findings related to genetic damage and redox status in addition to a lack of knowledge about the effect of polymorphisms in genes related to phase I and II detoxification upon occupational exposure to WAGs, this cross-sectional study is the first to jointly evaluate biomarkers of genetic instability, oxidative stress, and susceptibility genes in professionals occupationally exposed to high trace amounts of halogenated (≥ 7 ppm) and nitrous oxide (165 ppm) anesthetics in ORs and in individuals not exposed to WAGs (control group). Elevated rates of buccal micronucleus (MN) and nuclear bud (NBUD) were observed in the exposure group and in professionals exposed aged more than 30 years. Exposed males showed a higher antioxidant capacity, as determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), than exposed females; exposed females had higher frequencies of MN and NBUD than nonexposed females. Genetic instability (MN) was observed in professionals with greater weekly WAG exposure, and those exposed for longer durations (years) exhibited oxidative stress (increased lipid peroxidation and decreased FRAP). Polymorphisms in metabolic genes (cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)) did not exert an effect, except for the effects of the GSTP1 (rs1695) AG/GG polymorphism on FRAP (both groups) and GSTP1 AG/GG and GSTT1 null polymorphisms, which were associated with greater FRAP values in exposed males. Minimizing WAG exposure is necessary to reduce impacts on healthcare workers.

High anesthetic (isoflurane) indoor pollution is associated with genetic instability, cytotoxicity, and proliferative alterations in professionals working in a veterinary hospital.

This is the first study to monitor anesthetic pollution in veterinary operating rooms (VOR) and assess the toxicological impact of the inhalational anesthetic isoflurane (exposed group) compared to matched volunteers (control group). DNA damage was evaluated in mononuclear cells by the comet assay while genetic instability (including micronucleus-MN), cell proliferation, and cell death markers were assessed by the buccal MN cytome assay. Residual isoflurane concentrations in VOR (air monitoring) lacking the scavenging system were assessed by infrared spectrophotometry; the mean concentration was 11 ppm (≥ 5 times above the international recommended threshold). Comet assay results did not differ between groups; however, both younger exposed professionals (with higher week workload) compared to older individuals exposed for the same period and older professionals with greater time of exposure (years) compared to those in the same age group with fewer years of exposure presented higher DNA damage. The exposed group had a higher frequency of MN, nuclear buds, binucleated cells, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis and a lower frequency of basal cells than the control group. Exposed women were more vulnerable to genetic instability and proliferative index; exposed men presented more cytotoxicity. High WAG exposure has deleterious effects on exposed professionals.

A correlation between anaesthesia-related cardiac arrest outcomes and country human development index: A narrative review.

Studies have demonstrated gaps between developed and developing countries in the quality of surgical and anaesthesia care. The aim of this review was to provide a critical overview of documented outcomes from the 2010s of anaesthesia-related cardiac arrest events in countries with largely differing Human Development Indexes (HDIs). The HDI ranges from 0 to 1, representing the lowest and highest levels of development, respectively. Most related studies conducted between 2011 and 2020 showed low rates (from 0 to 215 per million anaesthetics) of anaesthesia-related mortality up to the 30th postoperative day in very high-HDI countries (HDI ≥ 0.800) and higher rates (from 0 to 915.4 per million anaesthetics) in high-HDI countries (HDI: 0.700-0.799). Low-HDI countries (HDI < 0.550) showed higher anaesthesia-related mortality rates, which were greater than 1500 per million anaesthetics. The anaesthesia-related mortality rates per quartile demonstrated a gap in the anaesthesia-related safety between very high- and high-HDI countries, and especially between very high- and low-HDI countries. Anaesthesia-related cardiac arrest showed similarly high survival proportions in very high-HDI countries (45.9% to 100%) and high-HDI countries (62.9% to 100%), while in a low-HDI country, the anaesthesia-related cardiac arrest survival was lower (22.2%). Our review demonstrates large gaps among countries with largely differing HDIs regarding anaesthesia-related cardiac arrest outcomes in the last decade. This finding highlights the need to improve patient safety care in low-HDI countries. Anaesthesia patient safety has improved in high-HDI countries, but there is still a persistent gap in the health care systems of these countries and those of very high-HDI countries. Our review also found a consistent improvement in anaesthesia patient safety in very high-HDI countries.

Measurement of anesthetic pollution in veterinary operating rooms for small animals: Isoflurane pollution in a university veterinary hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Inhaled anesthetics are used worldwide for anesthesia maintenance both in human and veterinary operating rooms. High concentrations of waste anesthetic gases can lead to health risks for the professionals exposed. Considering that anesthetic pollution in a veterinary surgical center in developing countries is unknown, this study aimed, for the first time, to measure the residual concentration of isoflurane in the air of operating rooms for small animals in a Brazilian university hospital. METHOD: Residual isoflurane concentrations were measured by an infrared analyzer at the following sites: corner opposite to anesthesia machine; breathing zones of the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and patient (animal); and in front of the anesthesia machine at three time points, that is, 5, 30 and 120 minutes after anesthesia induction. RESULTS: Mean residual isoflurane concentrations gradually increased in the corner opposite to anesthesia machine and in the breathing zones of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist (p <  0.05). There was an increase at 30 minutes and 120 minutes when compared to the initial time points in the animal's breathing zone, and in the front of the anesthesia machine (p <  0.05). There was no significant difference at measurement sites regardless of the moment of assessment. CONCLUSION: This study reported high residual isoflurane concentrations in veterinary operating rooms without an exhaust system, which exceeds the limit recommended by an international agency. Based on our findings, there is urgent need to implement exhaust systems to reduce anesthetic pollution and decrease occupational exposure.

Spontaneous abortion in women occupationally exposed to inhalational anesthetics: a critical systematic review.

Occupational exposure to inhalational anesthetics has been associated with health problems, including reproductive issues. Considering the scarcity and outdated nature of reviews concerning this relevant topic, which has implications for indoor pollution/environmental science/public health, this critical review aimed to systematically evaluate whether exposure to inhalational anesthetics is associated with abortion. Seven databases were searched with no language or year restrictions. Of the 3881 search results, 18 observational studies were included. Some studies demonstrated a significant association between occupational exposure to inhalational anesthetics and spontaneous abortion, especially among professionals who work for longer periods and/or in an environment without gas scavenging/ventilation systems, which may favor the occurrence of abortion in this population. Due to considerable heterogeneity and limitations, it cannot be concluded whether an association exists between occupational exposure to anesthetics and the occurrence of abortion. However, more well-designed studies should be performed, especially in less economically developed countries that do not have access to quality anesthetic gas scavenging/ventilation systems, thereby bringing this issue into sharp focus. This review highlights the need for scientific knowledge in this area and the extensive use of scavenging equipment and in the workplace to minimize exposure and reduce the risk of abortion.

Hepatotoxic and neuroendocrine effects in physicians occupationally exposed to most modern halogenated anesthetics and nitrous oxide.

The lack of data on hepatic and hormonal markers for occupational exposure to most modern halogenated anesthetics has stimulated our research, which assessed liver enzymes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and neuroendocrine response. The study investigated 106 physicians who were categorized in an exposed group (primarily exposed to isoflurane and sevoflurane and less to desflurane and nitrous oxide) as well as as a control group. Anesthetic air monitoring was performed, and biological samples were analyzed for the most important liver enzymes, hs-CRP, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol and prolactin. No biomarkers were significantly different between the groups. Exposed males showed significant increases in cortisol and prolactin compared to unexposed males. However, values were within the reference ranges, and 22 % of exposed males versus 5 % of unexposed males exhibited higher prolactin values above the reference range. This study suggests that occupational exposure to the most commonly used inhalational anesthetics is not associated with hepatotoxicity or neurohormonal changes.

Gene and systemic inflammatory effects and neuroendocrine response in surgical patients anesthetized with desflurane-nitrous oxide or desflurane-nitrous oxide-free: A randomized trial.

There is growing interest in assessing possible immunotoxicological effects in anesthetized patients. There are controversial findings concerning the effect of nitrous oxide (N2O) anesthetic gas effect on inflammatory response. We tested the hypothesis that N2O associated with desflurane (inhalational anesthetic) was likely to worsen neuro-immune-endocrine effects when compared with desflurane alone in this randomized trial. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the systemic proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-6, and the secondary endpoints included other systemic (IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein - hs-CRP) and genetic inflammatory markers (NF-kB, IL-6 and COX-2) as well as hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol and prolactin) comparing patients undergoing minor surgery with or without N2O-desflurane. As a second aim, we assessed whether there were changes in the neuro-immune-endocrine profiles within each group. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia, 90 min after anesthesia induction, and the day after surgery. We assessed serum cytokines using a cytometric bead array and hs-CRP by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Expression of three proinflammatory transcripts was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and neuroendocrine hormones were detected by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoenzymatic assay. There were no significant between-group differences for any analyzed biomarkers. However, there was a significant increase in: (a) systemic IL-6 and hs-CRP values one day after surgery in both groups and (b) prolactin levels in the intraoperative period compared to baseline and postoperative period levels for both groups. In conclusion, N2O does not impair the inflammatory profile and neuroendocrine response compared to patients who receive only desflurane anesthesia.

Perioperative mortality in older patients: a systematic review with a meta-regression analysis and meta-analysis of observational studies.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Older patients have a higher probability of developing major complications during the perioperative period than other adult patients. Perioperative mortality depends on not only on a patient condition but also on the quality of perioperative care provided. We tested the hypothesis that the perioperative mortality rate among older patients has decreased over time and is related to a country's Human Development Index (HDI) status. DESIGN: A systematic review with a meta-regression and meta-analysis of observational studies that reported perioperative mortality rates in patients aged ≥60 years was performed. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS and SciELO databases from inception to December 30, 2019. SETTING: Mortality rates up to the seventh postoperative day were evaluated. MEASUREMENTS: We evaluated the quality of the included studies. Perioperative mortality rates were analysed by time, country HDI status and baseline American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status using meta-regression. Perioperative mortality and ASA status were analysed in low- and high-HDI countries during two time periods using proportion meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We included 25 studies, which reported 4,412,100 anaesthesia procedures and 3568 perioperative deaths from 12 countries. Perioperative mortality rates in high-HDI countries decreased over time (P = 0.042). When comparing pre-1990 to 1990-2019, in high-HDI countries, the perioperative mortality rates per 10,000 anaesthesia procedures decreased 7.8-fold from 100.85 (95% CI 43.36 to 181.72) in pre-1990 to 12.98 (95% CI 6.47 to 21.70) in 1990-2019 (P < 0.0001). There were no studies from low-HDI countries pre-1990. In the period from 1990 to 2019, perioperative mortality rates did not differ between low- and high-HDI countries (P = 0.395) but the limited number of patients in low-HDI countries impaired the result. Perioperative mortality rates increased with increasing ASA status (P < 0.0001). There were more ASA III-V patients in high-HDI countries than in low-HDI countries (P < 0.0001), and the perioperative mortality rate increased 24-fold in ASA III-V patients compared with ASA I-II patients (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The perioperative mortality rates in older patients have declined over the past 60 years in high-DHI countries, highlighting that perioperative safety in this population is increasing in these countries. Since data prior to 1990 were lacking in low-HDI countries, the evolution of their mortality rates could not be analysed. The perioperative mortality rate was similar in low- and high-HDI countries in the post-1990 period, but the low number of patients in the low-HDI countries does not allow a definitive conclusion.

Perioperative and anesthesia-related cardiac arrest and mortality rates in Brazil: A systematic review and proportion meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that both perioperative and anesthesia-related cardiac arrest (CA) and mortality rates are much higher in developing countries than in developed countries. This review aimed to compare the rates of perioperative and anesthesia-related CA and mortality during 2 time periods in Brazil. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis of full-text Brazilian observational studies was conducted by searching the Medline, EMBASE, LILACS and SciELO databases up to January 29, 2020. The primary outcomes were perioperative CA and mortality rates and the secondary outcomes included anesthesia-related CA and mortality events rates up to 48 postoperative hours. RESULTS: Eleven studies including 719,273 anesthetic procedures, 962 perioperative CAs, 134 anesthesia-related CAs, 1,239 perioperative deaths and 29 anesthesia-related deaths were included. The event rates were evaluated in 2 time periods: pre-1990 and 1990-2020. Perioperative CA rates (per 10,000 anesthetics) decreased from 39.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.60-45.50) before 1990 to 17.61 (95% CI: 9.21-28.68) in 1990-2020 (P < 0.0001), while the perioperative mortality rate did not alter (from 19.25 [95% CI: 15.64-23.24] pre-1990 to 25.40 [95% CI: 13.01-41.86] in 1990-2020; P = 0.1984). Simultaneously, the anesthesia-related CA rate decreased from 14.39 (95% CI: 11.29-17.86) to 3.90 (95% CI: 2.93-5.01; P < 0.0001), while there was no significant difference in the anesthesia-related mortality rate (from 1.75 [95% CI: 0.76-3.11] to 0.67 [95% CI: 0.09-1.66; P = 0.5404). CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates an important reduction in the perioperative CA rate over time in Brazil, with a large and consistent decrease in the anesthesia-related CA rate; however, there were no significant differences in perioperative and anesthesia-related mortality rates between the assessed time periods.

Genetic instability assessed by telomere length and micronucleus in physicians exposed to anesthetics.

This study evaluated both telomere length (TL) and micronucleus (MN) as indicators of genome instability in 40 anesthesiologists occupationally exposed to anesthetics and in 40 physicians without occupational exposure to anesthetics who were matched by age, sex, and lifestyle. Blood and buccal samples were collected from both groups at the same period. Anesthetic exposure assessment was performed. The studied groups were assessed regarding relative TL by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and MN by buccal MN assay. Mean trace concentrations of anesthetics were below two parts per million. No significant differences between groups were found for both biomarkers. However, MN frequency was slightly increased (1.9-fold; p = .094) in the exposed group compared to the control group and in the exposed males (2.4-fold; p = .090) compared to unexposed males. TL and age showed a significant negative correlation. Anesthetic occupational exposure below recommended levels is not associated with changes in TL and MN in anesthesiologists.

Perioperative cardiac arrest and mortality in trauma patients: A systematic review of observational studies.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Factors that influence the occurrence of perioperative cardiac arrest (CA) and its outcomes in trauma patients are not well known. The novelty of our study lies in the performance of a systematic review conducted worldwide on the occurrence of perioperative CA and/or mortality in trauma patients. DESIGN: A systematic review was performed to identify observational studies that reported the occurrence of CA and/or mortality due to trauma and CA and/or mortality rates in trauma patients up to 24 h postoperatively. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and SciELO databases through January 29, 2020. SETTING: Perioperative period. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcomes evaluated were data on the epidemiology of perioperative CA and/or mortality in trauma patients. MAIN RESULTS: Nine studies were selected, with the first study being published in 1994 and the most recent being published in 2019. Trauma was an important factor in perioperative CA and mortality, with rates of 168 and 74 per 10,000 anesthetic procedures, respectively. The studies reported a higher proportion of perioperative CA and mortality in trauma patients who were males, young adults and adults, patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status ≥ III, patients undergoing general anesthesia, and in abdominal or neurological surgeries. Uncontrolled hemorrhage was the main cause of perioperative CA and mortality after trauma. Survival rates after perioperative CA were low. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma is an important factor in perioperative CA and mortality, especially in young adult and adult males and in patients classified as having an ASA physical status ≥ III mainly due to uncontrollable bleeding after blunt and perforating injuries. Trauma is a global public health problem and has a strong impact on perioperative morbidity and mortality.

High concentrations of waste anesthetic gases induce genetic damage and inflammation in physicians exposed for three years: A cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study analyzed the impact of occupational waste anesthetic gases on genetic material, oxidative stress, and inflammation status in young physicians exposed to inhalational anesthetics at the end of their medical residency. Concentrations of waste anesthetic gases were measured in the operating rooms to assess anesthetic pollution. The exposed group comprised individuals occupationally exposed to inhalational anesthetics, while the control group comprised individuals without anesthetic exposure. We quantified DNA damage; genetic instability (micronucleus-MN); protein, lipid, and DNA oxidation; antioxidant activities; and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Trace concentrations of anesthetics (isoflurane: 5.3 ± 2.5 ppm, sevoflurane: 9.7 ± 5.9 ppm, and nitrous oxide: 180 ± 150 ppm) were above international recommended thresholds. Basal DNA damage and IL-17A were significantly higher in the exposed group [27 ± 20 a.u. and 20.7(19.1;31.8) pg/mL, respectively] compared to the control group [17 ± 11 a.u. and 19.0(18.9;19.5) pg/mL, respectively], and MN frequency was slightly increased in the exposed physicians (2.3-fold). No significant difference was observed regarding oxidative stress biomarkers. The findings highlight the genetic and inflammatory risks in young physicians exposed to inhalational agents in operating rooms lacking adequate scavenging systems. This potential health hazard can accompany these subjects throughout their professional lives and reinforces the need to reduce ambient air pollution and consequently, occupational exposure.

Inflammation and DNA damage induction in surgical patients maintained with desflurane anesthesia.

The use of anesthetics during surgical interventions may contribute to disorders in the perioperative period. Desflurane is the newest volatile halogenated anesthetic to be introduced in clinical practice. Considering that inflammation and genotoxicity are linked events, and that little is known regarding possible genetic and inflammatory effects of desflurane in surgical patients, this study evaluated DNA damage, systemic inflammatory cytokines and related gene expression in adult patients without comorbidities who underwent minor otorhinological surgeries under general anesthesia maintained with the inhalational anesthetic desflurane. This study involved a self-controlled design in which venous blood samples were collected from subjects before anesthesia administration and after the surgical procedure. The comet assay was applied to assess DNA lesions, while the cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A and TNF-α were evaluated by flow cytometry. A genotoxic effect was observed (p = 0.027), and pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly increased after surgery (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively), whereas the levels of the other cytokines did not significantly change. Considering that serum IL-6 and IL-8 were increased, we further evaluated IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). However, IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression was unaltered (p >  0.05). In conclusion, anesthetic maintenance with the modern agent desflurane during minor surgeries led to genotoxic and inflammatory effects without altering the expression of inflammation related-genes the day after surgery in patients without comorbidities.