Increased formation of sister chromatid exchanges, but not of micronuclei, in anaesthetists exposed to low levels of sevoflurane

Abstract

SummaryWe have assessed, for the first time, genotoxicity (i.e. sister chromatid exchanges and micronuclei) in anaesthetists exposed to a single volatile anaesthetic (sevoflurane) without nitrous oxide. The anaesthetists were exposed to an 8-h time-weighted average of 0.2 parts per million sevoflurane. Internists served as non-exposed controls. Mean (SD) sister chromatid exchanges per cell were significantly higher in anaesthetists compared to internists (6.6 (0.9) vs 5.1 (0.8); p < 0.001) whereas median (IQR [range]) micronuclei per 1000 binucleated cells did not differ (9.5 (6.3-10.8 [2.0-15.5]) vs 8.5 (6.0-10.5 [3.0-25.5]), respectively). Although the anaesthetists were exposed to rather low concentrations of sevoflurane, this 30% increase of sister chromatid exchanges is in agreement with a recently reported 300% increase with a high level exposure to sevoflurane and nitrous oxide. Omitting nitrous oxide does not normalise increased rates of sister chromatid exchanges.

The choice of anaesthetic—sevoflurane or propofol—and outcome from cancer surgery: A retrospective analysis

“…The potential genotoxicity of inhalational anaesthetic agents in patients and in exposed staff in operating rooms has been studied both in vitro (20,21) and in vivo (22–25). Thus, a dose–response relationship between inhalational agent exposure and DNA damage has been suggested (25). Inhalational agents seem to be consistently genotoxic, whereas the less studied propofol seems not to be so (22,24).…”

Postoperative environmental anesthetic vapour concentrations following removal of the airway device in the operating room versus the postanesthesia care unit

“…All studies show DNA damage and/or a reduction of antioxidant defence in OR personnel compared with control subjects, both with and without N 2 O present. [22][23][24] While the authors attribute the damage to WAG, there is no way to isolate for their effect. Stress, lack of sleep, irregular nutrition, and environmental factors are also known or suspected to cause DNA damage.…”

Occupational Hazards of Halogenated Volatile Anesthetics and their Prevention: Review of the Literature

“…Some examinations showed a dose dependent relationship between sister chromatid exchange, micronuclues formation in lymphocytes and gas exposure [31,32]. An increased incidence of sister chromatide exchange was reported due to low sevoflurane exposure (0.2 ppm) without the presence of nitrous oxide [33]. It is not entirely clear yet what are the health consequences of these phenomena, or if any other factors may play a role, like ionizing radiation, disinfectant aerosols or stress.…”