Lung Age, Dynamic Lung Functions Vs Formalin Exposure In First Year Medical Students In Relation To Gender And BMI
Journal Title: National Journal of Medical and Dental Research - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Formaldehyde is widely used as a preserving, disinfecting and embalming agent in medical colleges and laboratories.First year medical students are exposed to formalin during their dissection hours, as formalin is used to preserve cadavers. It is noxious chemical which vaporises at room temperature and may cause respiratory problems. Calculation of ‘Lung age’ as an index of potential lung damage has been validated for detection of abnormalities caused by lung diseases. As there are very few studies of lung age in relation to formalin exposure, though many on lung functions, this study was conducted to know the effects of formalin on lungs. Aims And Objectives: This study is conducted to evaluate the effect of formalin exposure on lung age and dynamic lung functions, along with gender differences and correlate lung age with BMI and ventilatory variables. Materials And Methods:This study was carried out on ninety one healthy first year medical students who volunteered to take part in the study. Prior approval from Institutional ethical committee was obtained. Written, informed consent was taken from all the volunteers. The anthropometric measurements like height, weight were recorded and BMI calculated using quitelets index. Computerized Spirometer (RMSHelios 702 Medspiror) was used to measure pulmonary function tests. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio,Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), and lung age were obtained and statistically treated. Results:This study shows that FVC, FEV1 and PEFR decreases and lung age increases after exposure to formalin (statistically significant). This effect is more on females, though statistically not significant. The FEV1/FVC % ratio did not show any significant change.Also, the effect of formalin on dynamic lung functions and lung aging is more on individuals with increased BMI. Conclusion: It can be concluded that exposure to formalin in first year medical students has effects on pulmonary functions and lung age, more so in females and individuals with increased BMI . Hence protective measures or alternative chemicals like glutaraldehyde has be considered instead of formalin.
Authors and Affiliations
Hemlatha N R
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