Osteopenic syndrome in liquidators of the Chernobyl power plant accident consequences

Abstract

Bone system was examined in 112 liquidators; in 71 of these osseous tissue density was studied by osseous densitometer using bienergetic x-ray absorptiometry and in 45 x-ray examinations, analyses of biochemical and hormonal parameters were carried out. Spinal painful syndrome was detected in 61 to 82 % of the examinees. For analysis of densitometric and x-ray parameters the liquidators were divided into 2 groups: group I included those who worked at the power plant in 1986 (55 %) and group 2 were those who worked there in 1987-1989. Radiation doses in group 1 reliably surpassed those in group 2 (p0.001). Bone mineral density in the lumbar vertebrae was significantly lower in group 1 as against group 2 and lower in both groups us. controls. More than 5 % osseous mineral loss was revealed in 73 % of group 1 liquidators and in 43 % of group 2 ones. Analysis of spinal roentgenograms in 45 liquidators showed a high incidence of negligible and moderately expressed osteoporosis without compression fractures of vertebral bodies: osteopenia signs were found in 87 % of group 1 examinees complaining of pain in the spine and in 73 % of group 2 examinees; signs of osteochondrosis and spondylosis were detected in 40 % of group 1 and in 47 % of group 2 subjects. Hence, a higher incidence of osteopenia in liquidators, more manifest condition and its higher detection rate in subjects exposed to higher radiation doses indicate a certain contribution of radiation factor to the development of the osteopenia syndrome in liquidators.