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Akpan UB, Akpanika CJ, Asibong U, Ekott M, Etuk S. A Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of N95 and Surgical Facemasks on Pregnant Women Performing Moderate-Intensity Exercise: A Prospective Randomized Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e45776. [PMID: 37872900 PMCID: PMC10590647 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective A facemask is often indicated for the control of the spread of airborne pathogens. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was mass enforcement of mask use across the globe. Pregnant women were not excluded. While several studies have been conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacy of various mask types, data on their effects on pregnant women during exercise are scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of N95 and surgical facemasks on the cardiopulmonary functions of pregnant women during moderate-intensity exercise. Methods A prospective randomized study was conducted among 104 healthy women with advanced singleton pregnancies performing moderate-intensity exercise wearing either surgical or N95 masks during routine antenatal care. Their respiratory rates were counted, and arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2) and radial pulses (heart rates) were recorded with a mobile digital pulse oximeter at baseline and after 30 minutes of exercise. The mean values were calculated. Data analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 25; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). An independent t-test was used to compare the mean SPO2 and radial pulse between the two groups. Chi-square was used to examine differences in categorical variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results Their demographic profiles and measured baseline parameters were comparable. Following a 30-minute exercise, the N95 mask group had lower mean SPO2 compared to the surgical mask group (95.5% versus 97.0%; P=0.028, 95%CI; -2.607 to 0.15). Further, the N95 group recorded a higher mean heart rate than the surgical mask group ((97.23 b/m versus 95.02b/m, respectively, mean difference (MD)=2.212, P=0.021, 95%Cl: 1.249-3.672). The mean respiratory rates were also higher among women in the N95 mask group (32.1 c/m versus 29.08 c/m, MD=3.018, 95%CI: 1.392-4.662, P=0.001). Conclusion The study, comparing the relative effects of the surgical and N95 facemask on the cardiorespiratory functions of exercising pregnant women, findings suggest that surgical facemasks may be better tolerated in advanced pregnancy when performing routine antenatal aerobic exercise in comparison with N95 masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ubong B Akpan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, NGA
| | - Chinyere J Akpanika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, NGA
| | - Udeme Asibong
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, NGA
| | - Mabel Ekott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, NGA
| | - Saturday Etuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, NGA
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Kisielinski K, Hirsch O, Wagner S, Wojtasik B, Funken S, Klosterhalfen B, Kanti Manna S, Prescher A, Sukul P, Sönnichsen A. Physio-metabolic and clinical consequences of wearing face masks—Systematic review with meta-analysis and comprehensive evaluation. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1125150. [PMID: 37089476 PMCID: PMC10116418 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1125150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAs face masks became mandatory in most countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse effects require substantiated investigation.MethodsA systematic review of 2,168 studies on adverse medical mask effects yielded 54 publications for synthesis and 37 studies for meta-analysis (on n = 8,641, m = 2,482, f = 6,159, age = 34.8 ± 12.5). The median trial duration was only 18 min (IQR = 50) for our comprehensive evaluation of mask induced physio-metabolic and clinical outcomes.ResultsWe found significant effects in both medical surgical and N95 masks, with a greater impact of the second. These effects included decreased SpO2 (overall Standard Mean Difference, SMD = −0.24, 95% CI = −0.38 to −0.11, p < 0.001) and minute ventilation (SMD = −0.72, 95% CI = −0.99 to −0.46, p < 0.001), simultaneous increased in blood-CO2 (SMD = +0.64, 95% CI = 0.31–0.96, p < 0.001), heart rate (N95: SMD = +0.22, 95% CI = 0.03–0.41, p = 0.02), systolic blood pressure (surgical: SMD = +0.21, 95% CI = 0.03–0.39, p = 0.02), skin temperature (overall SMD = +0.80 95% CI = 0.23–1.38, p = 0.006) and humidity (SMD +2.24, 95% CI = 1.32–3.17, p < 0.001). Effects on exertion (overall SMD = +0.9, surgical = +0.63, N95 = +1.19), discomfort (SMD = +1.16), dyspnoea (SMD = +1.46), heat (SMD = +0.70), and humidity (SMD = +0.9) were significant in n = 373 with a robust relationship to mask wearing (p < 0.006 to p < 0.001). Pooled symptom prevalence (n = 8,128) was significant for: headache (62%, p < 0.001), acne (38%, p < 0.001), skin irritation (36%, p < 0.001), dyspnoea (33%, p < 0.001), heat (26%, p < 0.001), itching (26%, p < 0.001), voice disorder (23%, p < 0.03), and dizziness (5%, p = 0.01).DiscussionMasks interfered with O2-uptake and CO2-release and compromised respiratory compensation. Though evaluated wearing durations are shorter than daily/prolonged use, outcomes independently validate mask-induced exhaustion-syndrome (MIES) and down-stream physio-metabolic disfunctions. MIES can have long-term clinical consequences, especially for vulnerable groups. So far, several mask related symptoms may have been misinterpreted as long COVID-19 symptoms. In any case, the possible MIES contrasts with the WHO definition of health.ConclusionFace mask side-effects must be assessed (risk-benefit) against the available evidence of their effectiveness against viral transmissions. In the absence of strong empirical evidence of effectiveness, mask wearing should not be mandated let alone enforced by law.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021256694, identifier: PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021256694.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kisielinski
- Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Clinical Medicine, Private Practice, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kai Kisielinski
| | - Oliver Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, Fachhochschule für Oekonomie und Management (FOM) University of Applied Sciences, Siegen, Germany
| | - Susanne Wagner
- Veterinary Medicine, Wagner Medical Science Liason (MSL) Management, Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany
| | - Barbara Wojtasik
- Department of Genetics and Biosystematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Stefan Funken
- Internal Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Private Practice, Moers, Germany
| | | | - Soumen Kanti Manna
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
| | - Andreas Prescher
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy (MOCA), Rhine-Westphalia Technical University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pritam Sukul
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Pritam Sukul
| | - Andreas Sönnichsen
- Internal Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Private Practice, Gesundheit für Österreich e.V. (Health for Austria), Vienna, Austria
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Kisielinski K, Wagner S, Hirsch O, Klosterhalfen B, Prescher A. Possible toxicity of chronic carbon dioxide exposure associated with face mask use, particularly in pregnant women, children and adolescents - A scoping review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14117. [PMID: 37057051 PMCID: PMC9981272 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction During the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic, face masks have become one of the most important ubiquitous factors affecting human breathing. It increases the resistance and dead space volume leading to a re-breathing of CO2. So far, this phenomenon and possible implications on early life has not been evaluated in depth. Method As part of a scoping review, literature was systematically reviewed regarding CO2 exposure and facemask use. Results Fresh air has around 0.04% CO2, while wearing masks more than 5 min bears a possible chronic exposure to carbon dioxide of 1.41% to 3.2% of the inhaled air. Although the buildup is usually within the short-term exposure limits, long-term exceedances and consequences must be considered due to experimental data. US Navy toxicity experts set the exposure limits for submarines carrying a female crew to 0.8% CO2 based on animal studies which indicated an increased risk for stillbirths. Additionally, mammals who were chronically exposed to 0.3% CO2 the experimental data demonstrate a teratogenicity with irreversible neuron damage in the offspring, reduced spatial learning caused by brainstem neuron apoptosis and reduced circulating levels of the insulin-like growth factor-1. With significant impact on three readout parameters (morphological, functional, marker) this chronic 0.3% CO2 exposure has to be defined as being toxic. Additional data exists on the exposure of chronic 0.3% CO2 in adolescent mammals causing neuron destruction, which includes less activity, increased anxiety and impaired learning and memory. There is also data indicating testicular toxicity in adolescents at CO2 inhalation concentrations above 0.5%. Discussion There is a possible negative impact risk by imposing extended mask mandates especially for vulnerable subgroups. Circumstantial evidence exists that extended mask use may be related to current observations of stillbirths and to reduced verbal motor and overall cognitive performance in children born during the pandemic. A need exists to reconsider mask mandates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kisielinski
- Independent Researcher, Surgeon, Private Practice, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Susanne Wagner
- Non Clinical Expert, Veterinarian, Wagner MSL Management, 15831 Mahlow, Germany
| | - Oliver Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, FOM University of Applied Sciences, 57078 Siegen, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Prescher
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy (MOCA), 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Nkamba DM, Arena PJ, Gadoth A, Hoff NA, Dzogang C, Kampilu D, Beya M, Wong HL, Anderson S, Kaba D, Rimoin AW. Adherence to face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic among women seeking antenatal care in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a facility-based cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060929. [PMID: 35803622 PMCID: PMC9271840 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe face mask use among pregnant women seeking antenatal care (ANC) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and to identify factors associated with masking adherence in this population. DESIGN Facility-based cross-sectional study nested within a prospective cohort study. SETTING Random sample of 10 health facilities, including 5 primary health centers and 5 secondary facilities or hospitals. PARTICIPANTS A total of 934 pregnant women aged 18 years or above with a gestational age of at least 32 weeks were consecutively surveyed from 17 August 2020 to 31 January 2021. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES We estimated the proportions of pregnant women wearing a face mask and masking correctly (ie, over the mouth and nose), and assessed their knowledge regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with overall and correct face mask use. RESULTS Overall, 309 (33.1%) women wore a mask during the interview after their antenatal appointments, but only 33 (10.7%) wore a mask correctly. The odds of masking and correct mask use were significantly higher among women who had their ANC visit in a facility that provided COVID-19 care. Additionally, women who experienced COVID-19-like symptoms in the past 6 months had higher odds of wearing a mask correctly compared with those reporting no recent symptoms. Although 908 (97.2%) women were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic, only 611 (67.3%) thought that COVID-19 was circulating locally in Kinshasa. CONCLUSION Overall and correct face mask adherence levels were low among pregnant women attending ANC in Kinshasa. Our study highlights the need for improving adherence to correct face mask use in order to help control the spread of COVID-19 within Kinshasa alongside other control measures, like vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalau Mukadi Nkamba
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Patrick J Arena
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adva Gadoth
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nicole A Hoff
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Camille Dzogang
- UCLA-DRC Health Research and Training Program, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - David Kampilu
- UCLA-DRC Health Research and Training Program, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Michael Beya
- UCLA-DRC Health Research and Training Program, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Hui-Lee Wong
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven Anderson
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Didine Kaba
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Anne W Rimoin
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Mangla M. Occupational risks to pregnant obstetrics and gynaecology trainees and physicians: Is it time to think about this? JOURNAL OF MOTHER AND CHILD 2022; 26:111-117. [PMID: 35853832 PMCID: PMC10032316 DOI: 10.34763/jmotherandchild.20222601.d-22-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The proportion of women in the workforce has been steadily increasing worldwide. Women now constitute approximately 75% of the global health workforce and almost 90% in nursing and midwifery professions. The present times have witnessed a dramatic gender shift in the speciality of obstetrics and gynaecology. Women now comprise a significant proportion of practicing obstetrics and gynaecology specialists all over the world. In 2018, more than 80% of resident doctors and nearly 60% of physicians in the speciality were female, far exceeding any other surgical speciality. Most resident doctors and a significant proportion of practising physicians in obstetrics and gynaecology are in the reproductive age group. They will become pregnant at some point in their training program or career. The present review focuses on all work-related exposure risks for pregnant obstetrics and gynaecology professionals. It discusses the risks of infectious diseases, radiation, stress, violence against doctors, and even peer support (or lack of it) that can have deleterious effects on the health of pregnant physicians and the health of their unborn foetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mishu Mangla
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
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Sukul P, Bartels J, Fuchs P, Trefz P, Remy R, Rührmund L, Kamysek S, Schubert JK, Miekisch W. Effects of COVID-19 protective face-masks and wearing durations onto respiratory-haemodynamic physiology and exhaled breath constituents. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:13993003.00009-2022. [PMID: 35169028 PMCID: PMC9492982 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00009-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background While assumed to protect against coronavirus transmission, face masks may have effects on respiratory–haemodynamic parameters. Within this pilot study, we investigated immediate and progressive effects of FFP2 and surgical masks on exhaled breath constituents and physiological attributes in 30 adults at rest. Methods We continuously monitored exhaled breath profiles within mask space in older (age 60–80 years) and young to middle-aged (age 20–59 years) adults over the period of 15 and 30 min by high-resolution real-time mass-spectrometry. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory and haemodynamic parameters were measured (noninvasively) simultaneously. Results Profound, consistent and significant (p≤0.001) changes in SpO2 (≥60_FFP2-15 min: 5.8±1.3%↓, ≥60_surgical-15 min: 3.6±0.9%↓, <60_FFP2-30 min: 1.9±1.0%↓, <60_surgical-30 min: 0.9±0.6%↓) and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PETCO2) (≥60_FFP2-15 min: 19.1±8.0%↑, ≥60_surgical-15 min: 11.6±7.6%↑, <60_FFP2- 30 min: 12.1±4.5%↑, <60_surgical- 30 min: 9.3±4.1%↑) indicate ascending deoxygenation and hypercarbia. Secondary changes (p≤0.005) to haemodynamic parameters (e.g. mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥60_FFP2-15 min: 9.8±10.4%↑) were found. Exhalation of bloodborne volatile metabolites, e.g. aldehydes, hemiterpene, organosulfur, short-chain fatty acids, alcohols, ketone, aromatics, nitrile and monoterpene mirrored behaviour of cardiac output, MAP, SpO2, respiratory rate and PETCO2. Exhaled humidity (e.g. ≥60_FFP2-15 min: 7.1±5.8%↑) and exhaled oxygen (e.g. ≥60_FFP2-15 min: 6.1±10.0%↓) changed significantly (p≤0.005) over time. Conclusions Breathomics allows unique physiometabolic insights into immediate and transient effects of face mask wearing. Physiological parameters and breath profiles of endogenous and/or exogenous volatile metabolites indicated putative cross-talk between transient hypoxaemia, oxidative stress, hypercarbia, vasoconstriction, altered systemic microbial activity, energy homeostasis, compartmental storage and washout. FFP2 masks had a more pronounced effect than surgical masks. Older adults were more vulnerable to FFP2 mask-induced hypercarbia, arterial oxygen decline, blood pressure fluctuations and concomitant physiological and metabolic effects. While assumed to protect against SARS-CoV-2 transmission, face masks cause various physiometabolic side-effects and changes in exhaled VOC profiles. Effects are more pronounced in FFP2 masks and are profound at age ≥60 years.https://bit.ly/33fzOMA
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Sukul
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Bartels
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Patricia Fuchs
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Phillip Trefz
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Rasmus Remy
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Leo Rührmund
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Svend Kamysek
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jochen K Schubert
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Wolfram Miekisch
- Rostock Medical Breath Research Analytics and Technologies (ROMBAT), Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Does wearing double surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic reduce maternal oxygen saturation in term pregnant women?: A prospective study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 305:343-348. [PMID: 34143265 PMCID: PMC8212079 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to compare the effects of using single and double surgical masks (SM) on maternal oxygen saturation in pregnant women. Methods In this prospective study, single or double SM were worn by term pregnant women who applied for routine controls. The vital signs of the participants such as oxygen saturation, pulse, respiratory rate, fever, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured at admission and 30 min later. Results There were 223 participants in the single SM group and 231 participants in the double SM group. Thirty minutes after putting on the mask, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients whose oxygen saturation fell below 95 (3.6 vs 5.6%, p = 0.301). No significant difference was observed between the admission and 30 min oxygen saturation levels of the pregnant women in the single SM group. However, maternal oxygen saturation after 30 min of the pregnant women in the double SM group was significantly lower (97.4 ± 1.1 vs 96.6 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the vital signs of either groups. Conclusion When using double SM, oxygen saturation is significantly reduced compared to pre-mask values. Nevertheless, it seems difficult to say that these decreases have clinical significance.
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