Abstract
BackgroundIn 2014, Hama Governorate was exposed twice to chlorine gas, with 15 patients presenting to Kafr Zita Hospital in Northwest Syria. This study aimed to describe clinical manifestations of chlorine gas exposure to identify factors leading to facility admission and the need for ICU/intubation in conflict-affected areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.MethodsWe conducted a case-series study, using medical records of suspected chlorine-exposed patients presenting at Kafr Zita Hospital on either 11 April or 22 May 2014. Data on age, sex, initial clinical presentation, therapeutic management, and outcome were compared by hospital admission/non-admission and attack date. All patients provided verbal informed consent.ResultsFifteen patients with signs of chlorine gas exposure had detailed medical records. The mean age was 25.7 years (range 2-59), eight were male (53%), and three (20%) were under age 16.At initial presentation, all experienced respiratory distress, due to severe airway inflammation confirmed by nonspecific pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray, and similar intestinal, neurological, dermatological, ophthalmological, and psychological signs and symptoms. Acute management consisted of oxygen and bronchodilators for all patients, hydrocortisone (93%), antiemetics (80%), and dexamethasone (13%). Seven (47%) made a rapid symptomatic recovery and were discharged the same day and eight (53%) were admitted for a median of two days (range 1-6 days), one of whom required intubation and later died. The only significant associations found were higher mean pulse rate (i.e. 138 versus 124; p=0.043) and body temperature (37.0 versus 36.5; p=0.019) among admitted patients compared to non-admitted.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that even in low-resource humanitarian settings the survival rate for chlorine gas exposed patients is fair. Despite the small sample, this study provides insight into the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of weaponized chlorine gas exposure, though further research is required to understand any chronic consequences.
Highlights
In March 2011 peaceful popular demonstrations began in Syria which escalated later into an armed protracted conflict [1,2]
This study aimed to describe clinical manifestations of chlorine gas exposure to identify factors leading to facility admission and the need for ICU/intubation in conflict-affected areas with limited healthcare infrastructure
One of the weapons used by the Syrian government was chemical weapons multiple times, which has been condemned by the United Nations (UN) Security Council and considered a violation of the international convention on the prohibition of chemical weapons [3]
Summary
In March 2011 peaceful popular demonstrations began in Syria which escalated later into an armed protracted conflict [1,2]. Chemical weapons were used in Syria as early as December 2012, when civilians in Homs were treated for symptoms of chemical exposure. How to cite this article Elsafti Elsaeidy A M, Alsaleh O I, Van Berlaer G, et al (August 28, 2021) Effects of Two Chlorine Gas Attacks on Hospital Admission and Clinical Outcomes in Kafr Zita, Syria. The Syrian government agreed to destroy all of its chemical weapons after the deadly chemical attack on Ghouta in 2013, a sudden increase of reports on chemical strikes was recorded with a peak in April 2014 [6]. This study aimed to describe clinical manifestations of chlorine gas exposure to identify factors leading to facility admission and the need for ICU/intubation in conflict-affected areas with limited healthcare infrastructure
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