The ocular complications of mustard gas poisoning and their association with the respiratory system involvement: an experience in 112 Iranian veterans.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate ocular complications and their association with respiratory involvement in 112 patients with first exposure of mustard gas for at least 19 years ago.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS:

One hundred and twelve veterans (224 eyes) with documented exposure to sulphur mustard (SM) for the first time.

METHODS:

All participants were interviewed and clinically examined by an ophthalmologist and a specialist in respiratory disease. Data filed from the exposure time and regular follow-ups thereafter were reviewed. The patients were categorized in three subgroups according to the severity of respiratory system involvement as determined by spirometry (normal, mild, and moderate-severe).

RESULTS:

Subjective and objective ocular problems were documented in 83.9 and 70.6% of victims, respectively. Normal, mild, and moderate-severe respiratory system problems were present in 37.5, 22.3 and 40.2% of cases, respectively. Abnormal ocular findings were severe conjunctival vascular tortuosity (65.2%, mean: 13.71 years after exposure), corneal neovascularization (19.6%, mean: 16.54 years after exposure), conjunctival/limbal vessels with ampulliform dilatation (17.9%, mean: 9.33 years after exposure), and delayed keratitis (9.8%, mean: 19.54 years after exposure). The ocular abnormal findings were significantly more frequent in victims with moderate-severe respiratory system involvement.

CONCLUSION:

Structural ocular abnormalities are frequently found in patients with long-term history of mustard gas intoxication. These abnormalities are more common in severe respiratory system involvement.

• Authors: Mohammad Reza Sedghipour, Abdollah Shenasi, Mohammad Bagher Rahbani Nobar, Rohollah F Fouladi, Ramin Amini
• Journal: Cutaneous and ocular toxicology (Cutan Ocul Toxicol) Vol. 31 Issue 1 Pg. 48-52 (Mar 2012) ISSN: 1556-9535 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22053994 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Chemical Warfare Agents
• Mustard Gas

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Chemical Warfare Agents (toxicity)
• Comorbidity
• Eye Diseases (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Humans
• Iran (epidemiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mustard Gas (toxicity)
• Respiratory Tract Diseases (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Time Factors
• Veterans
• Young Adult