An increased risk of spontaneous abortion, congenital anomalies, and stillbirth among women occupationally exposed to anaesthetic gases: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

PURPOSE: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the risk of spontaneous abortions, congenital anomalies, and stillbirths among women professionally exposed to anaesthetic gases.

METHODS

This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and we followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist to develop the study protocol. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed using specific keywords to identify observational studies involving women professionally exposed to anaesthetic gases. Data were extracted and analysed using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies were included, involving 155,437 healthcare professionals exposed to anaesthetic gases. The analysis revealed an increased risk of spontaneous abortions (OR = 1.47; 95% CI [1.19-1.81]), congenital anomalies (OR = 1.37; 95% CI [1.09-1.73]), and stillbirths (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: [1.09-1.86]) among these women. The risks varied across different professions and countries, with moderate heterogeneity observed in the analyses.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms an elevated risk of spontaneous abortions, congenital anomalies, and stillbirths in women professionally exposed to anaesthetic gases. These findings highlight the need for preventive measures to minimize exposure and underscore the importance of further research to clarify the risks and develop effective strategies.

REGISTRATION: International prospective register of systematic reviews; registration number: CRD42023450226.