The Effect of Noise in the Intensive Care Unit on the Oxidative Stress Response in Rats

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of noise in the intensive care unit (ICU) on oxidative stress in a rat model.

This study had both a descriptive and a randomized controlled experimental stage. In the descriptive stage, to create a laboratory model of noise in the ICU, the noise level was measured for 24 hr on a randomly selected day in a surgical ICU, and voice recording was performed using a sound recording device. In the experimental stage, 30 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: a control group and groups exposed to the recording of the noise from the ICU for 24, 48, 72, and 168 hr.

The noise level in the ICU was higher than the levels recommended for hospitals. Plasma corticosterone levels of the rats in the group exposed to the ICU noise for 168 hr were significantly higher than those of the control group. Plasma total protein values were significantly reduced in the rats exposed to 48, 72, and 168 hr of ICU noise compared to those of the control group. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased and malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in serum, spleen, and brain tissues as the duration of noise exposure increased.

Findings reveal that rats experienced increasing levels of stress and oxidative stress as time exposed to the ICU noise increased. These results suggest that interventions to reduce noise in the ICU may be warranted.