Problems of Radiation Medicine and Radiobiology

L. I. Shvaiko, K. D. Bazyka, V. O. Sushko, S. V. Masyuk

State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Melnykova str., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine

СHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE IN THE CLEAN-UP WORKERS OF CHORNOBYL NPP ACCIDENT IN A REMOTE POST-ACCIDENT PERIOD (CLINICAL STUDY)

Objective: to study the clinical differences in the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the clean-up workers (CW) of Chornobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP) in the remote post-accident period (30 years after the effect of radiation exposure).
Material and methods. 120 CW of ChNPP were examined (47 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 73 patients without bronchopulmonary pathology) and 50 patients in the control group (20 patients with COPD and 30 without bronchopulmonary disease). Individually documented radiation exposure doses of CW were (25.2 ± 13.7 cSv, (M ± SD)). The study program included clinical examination, functional pulmonary tests, and statistical analysis.
Results. The negative correlation dependence (r = -0,358, p < 0,05) between the 6-minute walk rate and the age of COPD patients was established. Negative correlation was observed between the distance at 6-minute walk test, and forced exhalation volume for 1 sec. (FEV1) (l) (r = 0.743; p < 0.05); forced vital capacity (FVC) (l) (r = 0.692; p < 0.05), the ratio of FEV₁/FEV₆ (r = 0.697; p < 0.05), forced exhalation volume for 6 sec (FEV₆) (l) (r = 0.727; p < 0.05), Diffusion Lung Capacity (mmol/min/kPa) (r = 0.754, p <0, 05). A positive correlation was found between the dose of radiation exposure and the index of intra-thoracic pressure (ITGV) in the CW (r = 0.1494, p <0.05), and the values of FEV1 and forced expiration flow (FEF₇₅), regardless of the presence of COPD. In the subgroup of patients with COPD CW there was a significantly higher proportion of patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathology, which corresponded with the higher level of cholesterol compared with the control group ((5.52 ± 1.34) mmol/l and (4.46 ± 1.74) mmol/l, respectively, p < 0.05).
Conclusions. In the CW at the ChNPP, compared with the group of nosological control, there were significantly lower indicators of the shortness of breath degree and the frequency of exacerbations per year, more pronounced disturbance of exercise tolerance, higher comorbidity. Dependence of development of COPD on radiation dose and age at this stage of research was not estimated.
Key words: radiation exposure, clean-up workers of the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung functional tests.

Problems of radiation medicine and radiobiology.
2018;23:490-498. doi: 10.33145/2304-8336-2018-23-490-498.

full text

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