Medical follow-up of exposed victims after the " 5.7" accident of radioactive source in Nanjing

Abstract

Objective To explore the long-term effects of radiation injury and to provide scientific basis for the evaluation of the effects of ionizing radiation injury by carrying out medical follow-up of patients involved in the " 5.7" radiative source accident in Nanjing in 2014. Methods Through interviewing and investigating, we inquired about the new disease history of the exposed patients from rehabilitation treatment to medical follow-up peroid. Physical and laboratory examinations were carried out. According to relevant standards, physiological and biochemical indexes such as hematopoietic system, immune system, endocrine system, ophthalmology, circulatory system, digestive system, urinary system and bone mineral density were systematically evaluated, with the long-term effects being evaluated. Results The patient′s vital signs were good without new diseases. The indexes of hematopoietic system, immune system and endocrine system tended to be normal, the circulatory system, digestive system and urinary system showed degenerative changes, the ophthalmic examination showed visual acuity continue to decline, and bone mineral density examination indicated low bone mass. Conclusions Physiological and biochemical indicators of the patients gradually returned to normal without obvious symptoms of radiation damage. Further medical follow-up observation still needs to continue. Key words: Radiation emergency; Acute radiation sickness; Radiation damage; Long-term effect; Medical follow-up