Adverse health effects among nurses and clinical pharmacists handling antineoplastic drugs: Adherence to exposure control methods

Elshaer, Noha

doi:10.21608/epx.2017.16392

Cited by 11 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 28 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Five studies included in this review examined exposure to antineoplastic drugs, mainly safe handling practices, and reported that adherence to control measures was suboptimal. A study conducted in Egypt reported a lack of medical surveillance programs and training, inadequate handling practices, and low usage of personal protective equipment [121]. Two studies conducted in Turkey found that only about 40% of participants used biological safety cabinets and that personal protective equipment was not used consistently [113,123].…”

Section: Chemical Hazardsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exposure to Occupational Hazards among Health Care Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Rai

El‐Zaemey

Dorji

et al. 2021

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Health care workers are exposed to numerous workplace hazards. The implementation of safety measures in high-income countries has largely mitigated these risks. However, in many low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), resources to institute safety measures are lacking, increasing the risk of occupational exposures to these hazards. The aim of this scoping review is to map and synthesize the available research on occupational hazards among health care workers in LMICs, identify research gaps and inform policy. Searches for relevant articles were conducted in five electronic databases using a broad range of search terms. The inclusion criteria were: quantitative observational or experimental studies which examined exposure to one or more occupational hazards among health care workers in a LMCI; and the article was published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. A total of 99 studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted from these studies. Large proportions of health care workers in LMICs were exposed to biological hazards (bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis), psychosocial hazards (workplace violence, burnout, job dissatisfaction), ergonomic hazards (musculoskeletal complaints), and chemical hazards (exposure to latex and antineoplastic drugs). The implementation of risk reduction strategies was suboptimal. The majority of the literature was on biological hazards (48%), and research on other hazards was limited in comparison. Occupational safety needs to become a priority public health issue to protect health care workers in LMICs. More research is needed to understand the magnitude of the problem in these countries.

show abstract

Section: Chemical Hazardsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exposure to Occupational Hazards among Health Care Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Rai

El‐Zaemey

Dorji

et al. 2021

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Education and training can raise awareness of hospital personnel on the potential hazards of working with cytostatic agents. Previous research in low-and middle-income countries showed that this could be a reason for non-compliancy with safety guidelines (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23). Some extremely high levels of cytostatics were probably caused by spilling and remained on the surfaces by inadequate cleaning or cleaning protocols.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since engineering controls such as biosafety cabinets are costly, healthcare workers in low-and middle-income countries have to rely more on other measures to control hazard (e.g., personal protective equipment) (17). However, studies on safe handling of cytostatic drugs among healthcare workers in middle-income countries reported insufficient or complete lack of specialized training, inappropriate cleaning procedures and a high variability in awareness of potential hazards and use of personal protective equipment (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23). In general, these studies indicate the need for a better implementation of guidelines.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Contamination and Occupational Exposure of Algerian Hospital Workers

Verscheure

Creta

Vanoirbeek

et al. 2020

Front. Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Guidelines are in place to assure limited occupational exposure to cytostatic drugs. Even though this has led to a reduction in exposure, several studies reported quantifiable concentrations of these compounds in healthcare workers. In this study, we evaluated occupational exposure to cytostatic drugs in hospital workers from the University Hospital in Tlemcen, Algeria. Monitoring was performed by collecting wipe samples from surfaces, objects, personal protective equipment (gloves and masks) and from the skin of employees at an Algerian university hospital. Wipe samples were analyzed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Concentrations ranged from below the limit of quantification up to 208.85, 23.45, 10.49, and 22.22 ng/cm² for cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil, respectively. The highest values were observed in the oncology department. Nowadays, there are still no safe threshold limit values for occupational exposure to cytostatic agents. Therefore, contamination levels should be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Yet, healthcare workers in this hospital are still exposed to cytostatic agents, despite the numerous guidelines, and recommendations. Consequently, actions should be taken to reduce the presence of harmful agents in the work environment.

show abstract

“…A study performed by Elshaer recorded the effects of APs on exposed nurses. Thirty one percent of exposed nurses presented with infertility and 36.36% recorded oral ulcers 135 . Additionally, white blood cell counts were reduced whereas, there was an increase in creatine levels 135 .…”

Section: Contribution Of Chemotherapeutics To the Sdgsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decoding the synergistic potential of MAZ‐51 and zingerone as therapy for melanoma treatment in alignment with sustainable development goals

Letsoalo,

Nortje,

Patrick

et al. 2024

Cell Biochemistry & Function

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Melanoma, an invasive class of skin cancer, originates from mutations in melanocytes, the pigment‐producing cells. Globally, approximately 132,000 new cases are reported each year, and in South Africa, the incidence stands at 2.7 per 100,000 people, signifying a worrisome surge in melanoma rates. Therefore, there is a need to explore treatment modalities that will target melanoma's signalling pathways. Melanoma metastasis is aided by ligand activity of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1), vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (VEGF‐C) and C‐X‐C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) which bind to their receptors and promote tumour cell survival, lymphangiogenesis and chemotaxis. (3‐(4‐dimethylaminonaphthelen‐1‐ylmethylene)‐1,3‐dihydroindol‐2‐one) MAZ‐51 is an indolinone‐based molecule that inhibits VEGF‐C induced phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR‐3). Despite the successful use of conventional cancer therapies, patients endure adverse side effects and cancer drug resistance. Moreover, conventional therapies are toxic to the environment and caregivers. The use of medicinal plants and their phytochemical constituents in cancer treatment strategies has become more widespread because of the rise in drug resistance and the development of unfavourable side effects. Zingerone, a phytochemical derived from ginger exhibits various pharmacological properties positioning it as a promising candidate for cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of melanoma biology and the intracellular signalling pathways promoting cell survival, proliferation and adhesion. There is a need to align health and environmental objectives within sustainable development goals 3 (good health and well‐being), 13 (climate action) and 15 (life on land) to promote early detection of skin cancer, enhance sun‐safe practices, mitigation of environmental factors and advancing the preservation of biodiversity, including medicinal plants. Thus, this review discusses the impact of cytostatic cancer drugs on patients and the environment and examines the potential use of phytochemicals as adjuvant therapy.

show abstract

Adverse health effects among nurses and clinical pharmacists handling antineoplastic drugs: Adherence to exposure control methods

Cited by 11 publications

References 28 publications

Exposure to Occupational Hazards among Health Care Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Exposure to Occupational Hazards among Health Care Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Environmental Contamination and Occupational Exposure of Algerian Hospital Workers

Decoding the synergistic potential of MAZ‐51 and zingerone as therapy for melanoma treatment in alignment with sustainable development goals

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About