The Pathophysiology of Combined Radiation Injuries: A Review and Analysis of the Literature on Non-Human Research
Abstract
One hundred and seventy one references applicable to determining the effect of tactical nuclear weapons on military personnel have been reviewed, and the significant conclusions are reported. The study reviews the scientific literature and focuses on animal experiments published from 1933 to the present time, including a number of German studies and some Soviet research not previously reviewed in English language publications. Recurring themes of the review are the synergistic increase in mortality when injury (burn, wound, bleeding, fracture, etc.) follows irradiation and the reduction in mortality when injury precedes irradiation and/or when antibiotics are administered. The synergistic increases are attributed to radiation damage to the bone marrow precursor cells, which reduces the protective mechanisms (leukopenia) and permits easier onset of bacteremia and septicemia. Radiation in addition to favoring infection is also found to prolong and complicate the normal healing processes. The addition of burns or wounds shortens the latent period and results in earlier onset of the manifest illness phase.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA239981
Entities
People
- Siegmund J. Baum