Author/Authors :
Al, Behcet University of Gaziantep - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Emergency, Turkey , Yildirim, Cuma University of Gaziantep - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Emergency, Turkey , Zengin, Suat Malataya State Hospital - Departmentof Emergency, Turkey , Cavdar, Murat University of Gaziantep - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Emergency, Turkey , Togun, Ismail Avukat Cengiz Gokcek State Hospital - Department of Emergency, Turkey
Abstract :
Objectives: To determine the effect of chronic carbon-monoxide (CO) exposure on blood carboxy- hemoglobin (COHb) values in grill-kebab chefs, and if there is any subsequent airway obstruction. Methods: The study was carried out in Sahinbey Hospital, Medical School of Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey, between March 2007 and November 2007. Forty male grill-kebab chefs, working in restaurants for at least 3 years, and 48 non-smoker, male healthy volunteers were gathered for this study. The ages, body mass indexes (BMI), blood pressure (BP), COHb, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values of the grill-kebab chefs and controls was measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SSPS 13.0 software. Results: The average age for the study group was 33.0±9.1, and for the control group was 34.7±6.5 years. The average occupation time for the study group was 16.1±7.3 years. The clinical attributes, ages, BMI, BP, and NT-proBNP values of both groups were similar. The COHb (6.5±1.5/2.0±1.1%) values were higher in grill-kebab chefs compared with the control group. The NT-proBNP values were determined as normal ( 60 ìg/L) in both groups. A higher decrease in PEF speed (average: 65.1/7.1 L/min) was recorded in the grill-kebab chefs. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to CO decreases PEF, with narrowing of the airway in grill-kebab chefs.
