Medical follow-up of the exposed victim two years after " 5.7" radiation accident in Nanjing

Abstract

Objective To investigate the late effects induced by ionizing radiation and the rehabilitation treatment of local radiation injury by medical follow-up of the patient exposed to192Ir at 5.7 accident in Nanjing, and to provide more experience for the treatments in the medical emergency of nuclear or radiological accident. Methods According to the history inquiry and physical examination of the patient in detail and the record of clinical symptoms and signs, the changes of the blood system, immune system, reproductive system, eyes, nervous system were systematically evaluated. The effects of rehabilitation treatment for the patient with lower limb dysfunction were also assessed. Results After the medical treatments of the patient, the hematopoietic immune system was restored, but the bone marrow aspiration still showed low bone marrow hyperplasia in right ilium. Meanwhile, the level of sex hormones was within the normal range, but semen examination showed sperm motility was 0. The radiation damage also occurred in the eye lens, retina and fundus. However, the psychological evaluation showed that the patient was stable and the right lower limb skin wound healing was well except for dysfunction and pain in some extent, which was relieved after the rehabilitation treatment. Conclusions The physiological function of the exposed victim with mild bone marrow type acute radiation sickness could be completely or partially restored after the clinical treatment in the early stage. Key words: Radiation accident; Bone marrow form of acute radiation sickness; 192Ir; Late effects; Medical follow-up