Myelosuppression and acute hematological complications of sulfur mustard exposure in victims of chemical terrorism (original) (raw)
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a vesicant chemical warfare agent. Recent studies reported alleged use of SM by non-state actors in Syria and Iraq. It has been shown that SM induced immunological and hematological complications. The aim of this study was to determine acute toxic effects of SM exposure on hematological parameters. Blood samples from a group of Syrian exposed to SM in 2016 were taken daily during the follow-up of the patients in intensive care unit. Initial leukocytosis was observed in all patients (100%) on the first 48 h after exposure. Following leukocytosis, isolated lymphopenia was observed in all patients (100%) between 2 nd and 4 th days. A decrease in hemoglobin level was noted in five patients (62.5%) between 4 th and 5 th days. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 75% of patients between 4 th and 6 th days for mild cases and between 9 th and 11 th days for severe cases. Three patients (37.5%) developed distinct leucopenia/neutropenia on 11 th and 12 th days. It was observed that human exposure to high dose of SM has direct toxic effect on hematological cells and bone marrow. New strategies on treatment of SM-induced myelosuppression could reduce the effects of hematological complications and could increase the survival rate in these patients.
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