Which gas exposure has been associated with bone marrow depression and peripheral neuropathy?

Which gas exposure has been associated with bone marrow depression and peripheral neuropathy?

• A. Isoflurane
• B. Desflurane
• C. Sevoflurane
• D. Nitrous oxide

Answer: (D)

Nitrous oxide is recognized for its association with bone marrow depression and peripheral neuropathy. Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide can lead to the inactivation of vitamin B12, which is vital for proper nerve function and the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This inactivation results in conditions like megaloblastic anemia (a form of bone marrow depression) and can lead to neurological symptoms characterized by peripheral neuropathy, including numbness and tingling in the extremities. In contrast, the other anesthetic agents listed, such as isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane, generally do not have the same well-documented correlation with these specific effects. While they may have other risks and side effects when used in medical practice, they are not typically linked to the development of bone marrow depression and peripheral neuropathy in the same way nitrous oxide is. Thus, nitrous oxide is the correct answer when considering the specific health impacts mentioned in the question.

Nitrous oxide is recognized for its association with bone marrow depression and peripheral neuropathy. Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide can lead to the inactivation of vitamin B12, which is vital for proper nerve function and the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This inactivation results in conditions like megaloblastic anemia (a form of bone marrow depression) and can lead to neurological symptoms characterized by peripheral neuropathy, including numbness and tingling in the extremities.

In contrast, the other anesthetic agents listed, such as isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane, generally do not have the same well-documented correlation with these specific effects. While they may have other risks and side effects when used in medical practice, they are not typically linked to the development of bone marrow depression and peripheral neuropathy in the same way nitrous oxide is. Thus, nitrous oxide is the correct answer when considering the specific health impacts mentioned in the question.