From the Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract: (4944 Views)
Sulphur mustard (SM) is an alkylating agent that was first used as a
chemical warfare agent during the First World War in 1917. SM is readily
absorbed from the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract and is distributed
to several organs. SM may act rapidly and persistently upon DNA
replicating mechanism of the individual cells during mitosis particularly in
the hematopoietic system. Of 233 patients with SM poisoning, hematological
investigations were performed in 213 of them. Mild changes were observed in
red blood cells and its indices. Initial leukocytosis (> llxl09/L) was
observed in 7.2% and leucopenia (‹4x 109/L) in 3.8% of the patients.
Marked lymphopenia, neutrocytosis and eosinopenia (‹2%) were found in
36%,38%, and 25% of the patients, respectively. Bone marrow biopsy in 3 fatal cases revealed marked hypocellularity and dyserythropoietic changes.
Apart from the respiratory complications, mortality from SM poisoning is
mainly due to bone marrow failure.
Type of Study:
Original Research |
Subject:
General