Implicações do uso de adornos por profissionais de saúde na biossegurança da assistência ao paciente / Implication of the use of adornments by health professionals in the biosafety of patient care

Introdução: as infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde (IRAS) são consideradas um problema de saúde global, pois colocam em risco a segurança do paciente e a qualidade assistencial. Considera-se que a principal via de disseminação de microrganismos relacionados a IRAS ocorre pelas mãos dos trabalhadores de saúde, destacando-se a utilização de adornos por profissionais de saúde como um agravante no âmbito a disseminação de microrganismos. Estudos revelam que a utilização desses objetos, principalmente anéis e alianças, propiciam maior impacto na carga bacteriana nas mãos dos trabalhadores. A Norma Regulamentadora 32 (NR32) visa estabelecer as diretrizes básicas para a implementação de medidas de proteção à segurança e à saúde dos trabalhadores dos serviços de saúde, dentre essas medidas está a proibição do uso de adornos por profissionais de saúde que prestam cuidados aos pacientes, principalmente profissionais que mantem contato com materiais biológicos. Objetivos: Analisar o uso de adornos por profissionais de saúde e as suas implicações na carga bacteriana das mãos e anéis após a realização de técnicas de higienização das mãos com uso de preparação alcoólica em gel a 70% ou com água e sabonete líquido. Método: Trata-se de um estudo, realizado em duas etapas. Na primeira realizou-se um estudo observacional e de prevalência por meio de inquérito realizado via mídia social para determinar se o uso de adornos por profissionais de enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar relaciona-se as variáveis sociodemográficas e ocupacionais, e os motivos da não adesão a NR32 por esses profissionais. Na segunda etapa realizou-se um experimento microbiológico por meio de contaminação artificial das mãos e alianças com Lactobacilos casei e posteriormente o protocolo de higienização das mãos para verificar a carga bactéria encontrada nas mãos e anéis de profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde. Resultados: A utilização de adornos por profissionais de enfermagem é frequente, pincipalmente o uso de aliança, relógio e brincos. Embora a 85% dos participantes conheça as normativas da NR32 referentes a remoção de adornos para a realização das atividades laborais, 15% profissionais informaram desconhecimento total ou parcial dessa recomendação o que remete a necessidade de revisão das práticas formativas e do frequente oferecimento de capacitação em serviço/treinamento. Com relação os resultados do experimento sobre o uso de alianças por profissionais de saúde constataram-se que não houve diferença entre a contaminação bacteriana das mãos dos participantes com e sem aliança. Porém, verificou-se que entre os grupos que higienizaram as mãos com o uso de preparação alcoólica em gel a 70% ou com água e sabonete líquido houve redução na carga bacteriana das mãos quando comparados ao grupo controle, grupo que higienizou as mãos com água e sabonete líquido demonstrou uma redução ainda maior das Unidades Formadoras de Colônias (UFC) Conclusão: A utilização de adornos por profissionais da enfermagem ainda é fonte de preocupação para as instituições de saúde devido a frequência do uso desses objetos mesmo diante do desencorajamento de uso e das recomendações legais. Pode-se perceber que a falta de capacitação em serviço/treinamento e de cobrança para remoção dos adornos são fatores dificultadores nesse processo. No que diz respeito ao uso de aliança por profissionais de saúde durante o procedimento de higienização das mãos fica evidente as implicações do seu uso principalmente quando a higienização não é realizada por remoção mecânica da sujidade, como é o caso da higienização das mãos com preparação alcoólica em gel a 70%.

Introduction: healthcare-related infections (HAI) are considered a global health problem, as they put patient safety and quality of care at risk. It is considered that the main way of dissemination of microorganisms related to HAI occurs through the hands of health workers, highlighting the use of adornments by health professionals as an aggravating factor in the scope of the spread of microorganisms. Studies reveal that the use of these objects, especially rings and wedding rings, provide a greater impact on the bacterial load on workers' hands. Regulatory Standard 32 aims to establish the basic guidelines for the implementation of measures to protect the safety and health of workers in health services, among these measures is the prohibition of the use of adornments by health professionals who provide care to patients, especially professionals that maintains contact with biological materials. Objectives: To analyze the use of adornments by health professionals and its implications on the bacterial load on hands and rings after performing hand hygiene techniques with the use of an alcoholic preparation in gel at 70% or with water and liquid soap. Method: This is a carried out in two stages. In the first, an observational and prevalence study was carried out through a survey conducted via social media to determine whether the use of adornments by nursing professionals in the hospital environment is related to sociodemographic and occupational variables, and the reasons for non-adherence to NR32 by these professionals. In the second stage, a microbiological experiment was carried out through artificial contamination of the hands and alliances with Lactobacilli casei and later the hand hygiene protocol to verify the bacterial load found in the hands and rings of health professionals and students. Results: The use of adornments by nursing professionals is frequent, especially the use of wedding rings, watches and earrings. Although 85% of the participants are aware of the NR32 regulations regarding the removal of adornments for the performance of work activities, 15% professionals reported total or partial lack of knowledge of this recommendation, which points to the need to review training practices and the frequent offer of training in service/training. Regarding the results of the experiment on the use of rings by health professionals, it was found that there was no difference between bacterial contamination of the hands of participants with and without rings. However, it was found that among the groups that cleaned their hands using an alcoholic preparation in gel at 70% or with water and liquid soap, there was a reduction in the bacterial load on the hands when compared to the control group, a group that cleaned their hands with water and liquid soap showed an even greater reduction in Colony Forming Units (CFU). Conclusion: The use of adornments by nursing professionals is still a source of concern for health institutions due to the frequency of use of these objects even in the face of discouragement of use and of the legal recommendations. It can be seen that the lack of in-service training/training and charging for the removal of adornments are hindering factors in this process. With regard to the use of a wedding band by health professionals during the hand hygiene procedure, the implications of its use are evident, especially when the cleaning is not carried out by mechanical removal of dirt, as is the case of hand hygiene with alcoholic preparation in 70% gel

DNA damage analysis concerning GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism in gold jewellery workers from Peshawar Pakistan.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the genotoxic effects of gold jewellery fumes and its association with GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 94 subjects including 54 gold jewellery workers and 40 controls. The DNA damage was evaluated by alkaline comet assay and genotyping by PCR. RESULTS: The mean total comet score (TCS) in gold jewellery workers was significantly higher as compared to the control subjects (128.0 ± 60.6 versus 47.7 ± 21.4; p = 0.0001). Duration of occupational exposure had positive correlation (r = 0.453, p < 0.01) with DNA damage. Age and tobacco use had significant effects on the TCS of the exposed group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The frequency of the GSTM1-null genotype in the exposed group was significant (p = 0.004) as compared to the control group. No significant association (p > 0.05) between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes and DNA damage was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there is increased DNA damage in gold jewellery workers due to their occupational surroundings. Hence there is a strong need to educate the workers about the adverse health effects of potentially hazardous chemicals and highlight the importance of using protective measures.

Prevalence of contact allergy to metals: nickel, palladium, and cobalt in Southern Sweden from 1995-2016.

BACKGROUND: In 2001, the EU nickel directive was introduced to prevent contact allergy to nickel. Contact allergy to palladium and/or cobalt is often seen together with contact allergy to nickel. OBJECTIVES: To compare the contact allergy prevalence of nickel, palladium, and cobalt allergy before and after the introduction of the EU nickel directive in consecutive patients with dermatitis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patch test results from 1995-2016 was performed (n = 18 264). Chi-square tests were used to examine trends for nickel, palladium, and cobalt across test years. Logistic regression was used for associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of nickel allergy decreased significantly in the youngest age group (6-30 years) for both female and male patients from 1995-1999 to 2012-2016: females: 33.4% to 19.1% (P < .001); males: 5.9% to 2.1% (P < .05). The concomitant reactions between nickel and palladium and nickel and cobalt among young females, respectively, also decreased significantly. Isolated palladium and cobalt allergy remained stable (1.4% and 2.3%, respectively) during the same time period for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of nickel has decreased among young females and males suspected of contact allergy in Southern Sweden after the introduction of the EU nickel directive. There has been no change in isolated palladium or cobalt allergy.

Nickel allergy and allergic contact dermatitis: A clinical review of immunology, epidemiology, exposure, and treatment.

Nickel is the most frequent cause of contact allergy worldwide and has been studied extensively. This clinical review provides an updated overview of the epidemiology, exposure sources, methods for exposure quantification, skin deposition and penetration, immunology, diagnosis, thresholds for sensitization and elicitation, clinical pictures, prevention, and treatment. The implementation of a nickel regulation in Europe led to a decrease in the prevalence of nickel allergy, and changes in the clinical picture and disease severity. Nevertheless, the prevalences of nickel allergy in the European general population are approximately 8% to 19% in adults and 8% to 10% in children and adolescents, with a strong female predominance. Well-known consumer items such as jewellery and metal in clothing are still the main causes of nickel allergy and dermatitis, although a wide range of items for both private and occupational use may cause dermatitis. Allergic nickel dermatitis may be localized to the nickel exposure site, be more widespread, or present as hand eczema. Today, efficient methods for exposure quantification exist, and new insights regarding associated risk factors and immunological mechanisms underlying the disease have been obtained. Nevertheless, questions remain in relation to the pathogenesis, the persistent high prevalence, and the treatment of severe cases.

Nickel dermatitis from earrings 15 years after EU directive implementation: a clinical-epidemiological study and a market survey in Rome, Italy.

BACKGROUND: Nickel (Ni) dermatitis remains a highly prevalent allergic condition in Italy. There is a continuous need for clinical and epidemiological surveillance to evaluate whether or not European Ni Directive has been effective in contact allergy prevention. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of Ni dermatitis among patch-tested patients and self-interviewed school students and to analyse Ni release from earlobe jewellery. METHODS: Results of patch tests performed in 2006-2007, 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 were retrieved. A questionnaire was compiled by 315 secondary school students. Ni release from earring parts was analysed with the EN1811:2015 method. RESULTS: A significant time trend of decreasing Ni positivity from 2006-2007 to 2017-2018 was observed both in the overall population (44.1% in 2006-2007, 33.0% in 2015-2016, 31.6% in 2017-2018, P < 0.0001) and in female patients (P < 0.0001). Conversely, change was not significant in males (P = 0.16). Decrease was significant for all age groups, except for those aged >60 years (P = 0.51). Among 242 students who reported earring use, 130 (54%) reported symptoms at earlobes, mostly associated with jewellery of materials other than gold and silver (59% of those with earlobe symptoms). Ni release exceeded the migration limit in 4/21 (20%) earring parts. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of Ni dermatitis and earlobe symptoms were found in Rome. A decreasing time trend was noted, with a significant decline in Ni sensitivity compared to the situation observed right after Ni Directive implementation. This most likely represents the consequence of reduced Ni content in earring parts, although a major care in the use of Ni-containing objects could contribute to explain these findings.

Epidemiology of nickel sensitivity: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group data 1994-2014.

BACKGROUND: Nickel is a common allergen. OBJECTIVE: To examine the epidemiology of nickel sensitivity in North America. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 44,097 patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group from 1994 to 2014. Nickel sensitivity was defined as a positive patch test for nickel. We evaluated the frequency of nickel sensitivity and patient demographics. For each positive reaction to nickel, we tabulated clinical relevance, occupational relatedness, and exposure sources. RESULTS: The average frequency of nickel sensitivity was 17.5% (1994-2014). Nickel sensitivity significantly increased over time (from 14.3% in 1994-1996 to 20.1% in 2013-2014 [P < .0001]). Nickel-sensitive patients were significantly more likely to be female, young, nonwhite, and atopic (have eczema and asthma) and/or have dermatitis affecting the face, scalp, ears, neck, arm, or trunk (P values ≤ .0474). Overall, 55.5% of reactions were currently clinically relevant; this percentage significantly increased over time (from 44.1% in 1994-1996 to 51.6% in 2013-2014 [P < .0001]). The rate of occupational relatedness was 3.7% overall, with a significant decrease over time (from 7.9% in 1994-1996 to 1.9% in 2013-2014 [P < .0001]). Jewelry was the most common source of nickel contact. LIMITATIONS: Tertiary referral population. CONCLUSIONS: Nickel allergy is of substantial public health importance in North America. The frequency of nickel sensitivity in patients referred for patch testing has significantly increased over a 20-year period.

[Children should always be examined upon suspicion of the ingestion of foreign bodies].

This case report is of a four-year-old otherwise healthy girl, who was presented to an ear, nose and throat department with salivation and suspected ingestion of a metallic pendant while falling asleep. An X-ray of the chest and upper neck confirmed the suspicion showing an approximately 2 × 2 cm foreign body shaped as a star located in the throat. In general anaesthesia, a metal necklace pendant was removed from the oesophagus mouth. The patient was released from hospital the day after surgery.

Nickel allergy in a Danish population 25 years after the first nickel regulation.

BACKGROUND: Nickel in metallic items has been regulated in Denmark since 1990; however, 10% of young Danish women are still sensitized to nickel. There is a need for continuous surveillance of the effect of regulation. OBJECTIVES: To identify current self-reported metallic exposures leading to dermatitis in nickel-allergic patients, and the minimum contact time needed for dermatitis to occur. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all patients who reacted positively to nickel sulfate 5% pet. within the last 5 years at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Gentofte Hospital. RESULTS: The response rate was 63.2%. Earrings were the foremost cause of dermatitis after the EU Nickel Directive had been implemented, followed by other jewellery, buttons on clothing, belt buckles, and wrist watches. Dermatitis reactions within 10 min of contact were reported by 21.4% of patients, and dermatitis reactions within 30 min of contact were reported by 30.7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nickel exposures that led to the implementation of a nickel regulation seem to persist. The durations of contact with metallic items to fall under the current REACH regulation of nickel correspond well with the results of this study.

Localized cutaneous argyria: Report of two patients and literature review.

BackgroundLocalized cutaneous argyria is a rare skin condition caused by direct contact with silver or silver particles. It presents as asymptomatic gray or blue-gray macules that appear similar to blue nevi. Histologic features include brown-colored or black-colored silver granules in the basement membrane and dermis, most commonly surrounding eccrine glands, elastic fibers, and collagen fibrils. The condition is most frequently observed in individuals who are regularly exposed to small silver particles, such as silversmiths and welders. However, localized cutaneous argyria has also been associated with acupuncture needles, silver earrings, and topical medications containing silver nitrate. Although the condition is benign, patients who are concerned about the cosmetic features of localized cutaneous argyria may benefit from laser therapy.PurposeWe describe the clinical and pathologic findings of two women who developed localized cutaneous argyria. We also review the characteristics of other patients with localized cutaneous argyria and summarize the differential diagnosis and treatment options for this condition.Materials and methodsThe features of two women with localized cutaneous argyria are presented. Using PubMed, the following terms were searched and relevant citations assessed: acquired localized argyria, acupuncture, argyria, argyrosis, colloidal silver, cutaneous argyria, and localized cutaneous argyria. In addition, the literature on localized cutaneous argyria is reviewed.ResultsTwo women presented with small, asymptomatic blue-gray macules appearing at sites directly adjacent to ear piercings. A punch biopsy was performed on one woman. Microscopic examination revealed a yellowish-brown colored granular material found adjacent to elastic fibers. Based on correlation of the clinical presentation and histopathologic findings, a diagnosis of localized cutaneous argyria was established. The second woman did not undergo a biopsy. However, the clinical presentation was highly suggestive of localized cutaneous argyria. Both women were reassured of the benign nature of the condition and agreed to return for clinical follow-up if they observed any changes in the appearance of the lesions.