Abstract: (4861 Views)
In the last few years many chemically injured patients have been visited
throughout the country in order to investigate the late respiratory complications
of sulfur mustard. 35 patients who were previously admitted for
mustard poisoning underwent complete clinical examination as well as
spirometry, fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB), Bronchoalveolar lavage
(BAL), and trans bronchial lung biopsy (TBLB).
The results of this study reveal a high incidence of air flow obstruction in
these patients (50% ).BAL shows decreased numbers of macrophages and
increased numbers of lymphocytes and neutrophils, and the presence of
eosinophils (between 1 to 5%). Certain pathologic features have been
encountered. We conclude that late respiratory complications of sulfur
mustard are major causes of morbidity and are quite resistant to therapy.