Radiation injury: what to look for, what to do. (Nuclear Terrorism, Accidents).

Publication: Internal Medicine News

Publication Date: 15-JUN-03

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COPYRIGHT 2003 International Medical News Group

ATLANTA -- Several kinds of radiation injury could arise from a nuclear accident or terrorism involving radiation, Dr. Neil Wald said at a conference sponsored by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Local radiation injury results from direct contact with a radioactive source: In acute radiation syndrome, the patient's entire body is exposed. Radionuclide fallout contamination can be external or internal. In any of these situations, traumatic wounds may contain radioactive particles that must be removed, said Dr. Wald of the University of Pittsburgh.

Care of radiation patients should focus on decontamination, trauma care, and supportive measures to replace damaged hematologic components and prepare for severe immunodeficiency. Cancer from DNA damage is a long-term threat.

Local radiation injury occurs when the skin has contact with a radioactive object or exposure to radioactive rays. Mild exposure can cause erythema or transepidermal injury, much like a sunburn. More serious exposure can lead to dermal radionecrosis, in which the exposed tissue dies over a period of weeks, Dr. Wald...

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