Human Radiation Injury—A Correlation of Leukocyte Depression with Mortality in the Japanese Exposed to the Atomic Bombs

Abstract

Data collected by the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission and the Japanese data of 1945 were reevaluated to see whether the leukocyte count at various time intervals reliably prognosticates death survival. There is a good correlation between death and depression of the leukocyte count taken during the third to fifth week after exposure. The correlation is perhaps best for counts taken during the third week. Leukocyte counts less than 3000 are not so hazardous in the fourth and fifth week as in the third week. It is believed that the leukocyte count is the best single indicator of severe radiation injury, and that electronic methods of counting leukocytes should be made available to assist in casualty sorting and direction of therapy. (auth)