STATUS OF SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AMONGWORKERS IN THE RADIOLOGY UNIT IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Medical workers in the radiology unit are frequently exposed to ionizing radiation, raising concerns about its potential impact on renal and electrolyte balance.

Objective: This research was a cross-sectional study aimed at determining the levels of some biochemical parameters among workers in the radiology unit, in Imo State, Nigeria.

Method: This study was carried out at three major hospitals in Imo State (Federal Teaching Hospital, Imo specialist hospital, Owerri and Imo State Teaching Hospital Orlu). A total of 40 individuals which comprised of 40 workers exposed to radiation and 40 non-radiation workers were recruited for the study. Informed consent was obtained from each patient, and questionnaires were administered, after which blood sample was collected. The procedure was carried out at the hospital laboratory using standard laboratory procedures.  The data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Results:There was a significant increase in the mean values of creatinine (1.23±0.51)mg/dl and urea (42.86±9.56)mg/dl in workers exposed to radiation when compared to controls (0.84±0.45)mg/dl and (28.82±5.23)mg/dl (p=0.001 and p=0.000), anda significant decrease in the mean value of potassium in those exposed (3.83±0.56)mmol/l when compared to controls (4.37±0.49)mmol/l(p=0.000).During 3-10 years of exposure, Creatinnie (0.97±0.46)mg/dl, Urea (36.72±11.37)mg/dl and Chloride (99.58±1.55) mmd/l showed no significant difference when compared to 11-18years (1.15±0.43)mg/dl, (43.58±8.47)mg/dl, and (99.94±1.46) mmd/l and >18years exposure (1.59±0.61)mg/dl, (46.64±5.67) mg/dl and (100.39±4.36)mmd/l (f=3.68; p=0.055; f= 3.11, p=00.57; and f=0.28, p=0.756). Sodium (139.43±8.61) mmd/l during 11 year of exposure showed no significant increase when compared to 3-10 years(135.75± 4.12) and > 18 years of exposure (138.61±7.04) mm/dl (f=0.91, p=0.414). Bicarbonate (27.79±4.33) mmol/l during >18years exposure showed no significant increase when compared to 3-10years (26.29±5.50)mmd/l and 11-18years (25.10±5.04)mmol/l respectively (f=0.77, p=0.471).There was a non-significant difference  in the mean values of creatinnine (1.25±0.52) mg/dl, potassium (3.84±0.59) mmol/l and bicarbonate (26.44±5.26) mmol/l in male workers exposed to radiation when compared to females (1.14±0.59)  mg/dl, (3.66±0.40)mmol/l, (22.9±2.43) mmol/l  respectively  ( t=1.05, p=0.492; t=0.42, p=0.080 and t=0.51, p=0.521).The mean values of Urea (42.46±9.94)mg/dl, Sodium (137.89±6.70) mmo/l and Chloride (99.76±2.10)mmol/l in males were insignificantly lower when compared to females (45.66±6.38)mg/dl, (140.66±10.96)mmol/l and (101.66±2.97) mmo/l(t=0.44, p=0.126; t=1.45, p=0.542; t=1.43,p=0.810; t=2.22, p=0.432; t1.07,p=0.518, and t=0.48, p=0.151).The mean values of potassium (3.84±0.61)mmol/l, chloride (99.87±1.73)mmol/l and bicarbonate (23.66±3.44)mmol/l in workers exposed to radiation of ages (35-50)yrs were non-significantly raised when compared to those of ages >50 yrs (3.76±0.51) mmol/l, (99.48±3.37) mmol/l and (22.07±1.58) mmol/l ( t=0.65, p=0.674; t = 1.79, p = 0.632, and t=4.89 p=0.612), while that of Creatinine (1.17±0.48) mg/dl, Urea (40.60±10.46) mg/dl and Sodium (137.45±6.68)  mmol/l, in workers exposed to radiation of ages (35-50) yrs were not significantly lowered when compared to those of ages, >50yrs (1.35±0.59)mg/dl,(47.40±4.94)mg/dl and (140.05±8.13)mmol/l (t=0.43,  p=0.301; t=0.69 , p=0.321 and t=0.79, p=0.290).

Conclusion:This study has shown that radiation alters the levels of creatinine, urea and potassium, but no significant effect on sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate.These findings underscore the importance of routine renal function assessments for those exposed to radiation in the radiology unit.