Mortality experience among anesthesiologists, 1954-1976.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Anesthesiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Prolonged exposure to inhalational anesthetics may pose health risks.
• Previous studies suggested potential links between anesthetic exposure and physician mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mortality rates among anesthesiologists compared to other physicians.
• To assess risks of all-cause mortality, cancer, hepatic, and renal diseases in anesthesiologists.
• To examine potential occupational hazards in anesthesiology.

Main Methods:

• Mortality data for male and female American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) members from 1954-1976 were analyzed.
• Membership records from 1954, 1959, 1967, and 1976 were used to trace members.
• Death certificates were obtained and analyzed for causes of death.

Main Results:

• Overall mortality for male anesthesiologists was 84-93% of expected rates for physicians.
• No increased rates of cancer, hepatic, or renal diseases were observed.
• A high suicide rate was noted in male members under 55 years old.
• Female anesthesiologists exhibited 75-85% of expected mortality rates.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesiologists do not appear to have elevated risks for cancer or specific organ diseases.
• Suicide represents a significant occupational risk for younger male anesthesiologists.
• Further research into mental health support for anesthesiologists is warranted.