Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byOsborne McDaniel Modified over 8 years ago
1
VA Radiation & Physical Exposure Service Depleted Uranium (DU) and Toxic Embedded Fragments Melissa A. McDiarmid, MD, MPH Joanna Gaitens, PhD, MSN/MPH Katherine S. Squibb, PhD VA Maryland Health Care System University of Maryland Baltimore, USA
2
Disclaimer The views expressed in this presentation are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government I have no known conflicts of interest other than that I work for the Department of Veterans Affairs
3
Topics we will cover: Environmental exposures of concern to Veterans: Depleted Uranium (DU), Toxic Embedded Fragments The potential toxicity of DU and retained embedded fragments Programs available through the VA for Veterans with concerns about these exposures How Veterans enroll in these programs
4
What is Depleted Uranium? By-product of uranium enrichment process through which 235 U is extracted from natural uranium for use as nuclear fuel Leftover is “depleted” with 235 U/ 238 U isotopic ratio = 0.245%
5
Isotopic Comparison of Natural and Depleted Uranium Radioactivity Natural Uranium Depleted Uranium Isotope Ci/g Concentration of isotopes Concentration of isotopes 234 U 6200.0 0.0058% 0.001% 235 U 2.2 0.72% 0.2% 238 U 0.33 99.28% 99.8% Relative Radioactivity 1 0.6 *
6
Chemical vs Radiological Toxicity Chemical toxicity U 234 = U 235 = U 238 Radiological toxicity Specific activity: U 234 >>> U 235 > U 238 so Natural U > DU Primary decay = alpha particles and gamma rays
7
Military Uses of DU Tank armor for increased resistance to enemy projectiles Munitions to increase penetrating power Used in battle for first time in Gulf War
8
Gulf War and OEF/OIF Exposures to DU Friendly-fire incidents exposed US soldiers to: DU shrapnel Aerosolized DU oxides Inhalation, ingestion, wound contamination Burning of munitions storage facility Decontamination of military equipment
9
DU Embedded Fragment
10
Potential Toxicity of DU Systemic effects due to release of U ions to circulation and uptake by organs Specific target organs of U Kidney Bone Primarily chemical toxicity of U Local effects on tissue surrounding DU embedded fragments May be combination of chemical toxicity and radioactivity of U
11
Mission of the DU Follow-Up Program Since 1993: To provide clinical surveillance for the ‘friendly fire’ DU-exposed GWI Veterans Since 1998: To provide biologic monitoring by mail for DU for all GWI and OIF Veterans
12
The next several slides will cover: Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program Purpose Surveillance protocol Findings Depleted Uranium Mail-In Surveillance Program Purpose Findings
13
Purpose of DU Friendly Fire Victim Surveillance Determine health effects, if any, in DU exposed populations (GWI, OEF, OIF) Develop methods to measure DU exposure in this novel exposure mode (embedded fragments) Examine surgical and medical management of embedded fragments– still an issue!
14
Surveillance Protocol during Biennial Inpatient Evaluation Complete history (medical, social, family, reproductive, occupational exposure, partner) Extensive laboratory studies (hematology, serum chemistry, neuroendocrine, urinalysis, urine, semen and blood uranium, renal markers, semen analysis) Chromosomal analysis (mutations, chromosomal aberrations) Neurocognitive testing Focus group/risk communication
15
Summary of Surveillance through 2009 Gulf WarOIF YearDU-exposedNon-exposedDU-exposedTotal 1993-433 1997293867 199921 + 29 new50 200131 + 8 new39 200332 200530 + 4 new337 2007 2009 32 + 3 new 36 + 2 new 2 (1 new) 2 37 40 79 unique cases have been evaluated from Gulf War 4 Unique cases have been evaluated from OIF
16
Mean Urine Uranium Levels through 2007 for the 2009 Cohort
17
Clinical Findings No clinically significant differences detected between low and high uranium exposure groups Hematology Neuroendocrine Chemistries Neurocognitive
18
To provide urine uranium surveillance by mail for any Veteran requesting testing Second Activity of DU Program:
19
Purpose of the DU Urine Biomonitoring Program Determine urine uranium concentrations in Veterans from GWI and forward Passively survey for exposure scenarios linked to DU exposure other than friendly fire Provide assistance to Veterans’ primary care providers in interpreting results and answering Veterans questions
20
Summary of Mail-in Activity through May 31, 2010 Sampling kits requested N > 4597 1682> 2915 Samples tested as of 5/31/10 N = 3136 GWIOIF TOTAL Total uranium only 476 Total uranium & DU 813 Total uranium & DU 1847 Positive for DU N = 4* 3 1 *All friendly fire
21
Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center (TEFSC) and Registry
22
Background Traumatic injuries via contact with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are a major concern in Iraq, and increasingly in Afghanistan More than 40,000 soldiers with traumatic injuries may have retained embedded fragments. IEDs are packed with heterogeneous material that may lead to local and systemic adverse health effects.
23
VHA directed to address the issue of embedded fragments Presidential Task Force Recommendation P-7 directed the VHA to establish a registry and medical surveillance program for Veterans with embedded fragments
24
Health concerns related to embedded fragments Local effects Risk of the development of tumors at the fragment sites Systemic effects Risk of target organ effects arising from chemicals released from fragments
25
Fate of DU Metal Fragments in Rat Muscle In Situ Correlation of radiographic appearance with histologic appearance. (A) Thick fibrotic capsule with shards of corroded DU in lumen; (B) thick cellular capsule lined by squamous metaplasia, particles, and shards of corroded DU in wall and lumen; (C) particles and shards of disintegrated DU fragment scattered throughout a soft tissue sarcoma (Hahn et al, 2002).
26
1995 film2001 film Change in DU fragment appearance over time; suggests oxidation in situ and removal is warranted. Embedded DU Fragment in 1991 Gulf War Veteran
27
New Alloy Used in Munitions: W/Ni/Co Metastatic tumors caused by implanted tungsten alloy (W/Ni/Co) fragments in rats Rhabdomyosarcomas rapidly metastasize to lung Survival time is significantly reduced Kalinich et al. Env. Hlth Perspec. 113: 729-734, 2005
28
Evidence supports development of Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center (TEFSC) Local Effects Evidence from DU Program and medical device and fragment literature New studies of metal implanted animals with new tungsten alloy (W, Co, Ni) demonstrating rapid carcinogenesis Systemic Effects Known renal, reproductive and neurological effects of metals (e.g. Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Cu)
29
The next several slides will cover: Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center Mission Specific functions of TEFSC VA’s Embedded Fragment Registry Purpose of the registry Eligibility criteria Screening process for identifying eligible veterans Data captured in the registry
30
VA Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center Established at Baltimore VA Medical Center Mission: To provide care and active medical surveillance for Veterans with retained embedded fragments
31
Functions of TEFSC Fragment Characterization Biomonitoring & Medical Surveillance Registry Development Case Consultation
32
Chemical analysis of removed fragments Surface chemistry Total fragment composition Analysis of tissue surrounding fragments Chemical analysis of tissue Characterization of tissue morphology Histology- proliferative cells, neoplastic cells Analyzing fragment composition is an essential function of TEFSC
33
Summary of Composition of Fragments from Military Personnel 2006-2008 (AFIP data)* 407 fragments analyzed 1 radioactive 44 Organic materials 10 plastic & polymers 1 fabric and 1 wood 26 Stones 336 non-radioactive alloys (steel & brass) and non-alloyed metals DU with traces of Al, Cr, Cu, Ti, Zn Fe, Cu, Al, Ni, Pb, Zn with traces of other elements including Cr, Mn, Sn, Sb, Ti, W *Division of Biophysical Toxicology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Centeno JA, et al. (2009) 70 Non-Metals337 Metals
34
Fragment data informs biomonitoring and medical surveillance protocol Fragment composition data helps: Identify a list of toxicants to include in biomonitoring panels Identify outcomes of concern and means of surveillance Identify potential biomarkers of early effect
35
Fragment Analysis Process 1. TEFSC sends fragment collection kit to requesting VA 2. VA obtains fragment from Veteran and mails completed kit to TEFSC 4. TEFSC sends result letters to Veteran and VA Provider 3. Fragment is analyzed
36
Biological Specimens also provide insight into exposure Toxicants of interest Metals: Al, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, U, W, Zn Plastics/polymer components: Isocyanate, Acrylics, Diethylhexylphthalates Others: Based on fragment analysis data Biological Specimens Urine, blood, other body fluids when indicated
37
Biological Monitoring Process 1. TEFSC sends kit is sent to requesting VA 2. Veteran provides 24-hour urine sample and completes questionnaire 3. VA mails completed kit to Baltimore VA 5. TEFSC sends result letters to Veteran and VA Provider 4. Specimen and questionnaire are analyzed
38
Surveillance protocol involves periodic follow-up to identify potential health outcomes Perform baseline urinalysis based on chemical composition of removed fragment(s) Perform periodic follow up urinalysis to identify specific biomarkers of exposure and effects based on baseline results Conduct periodic radiologic surveillance of embedded fragment location and shape Consider target organ surveillance for toxicants of concern
39
Purpose of the VA Embedded Fragment Registry To track, monitor and provide appropriate medical care and follow up for Veterans with embedded fragments resulting from injuries sustained during their tour of duty Identify Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and who have embedded fragments Identify health concerns associated with embedded fragments Develop medical and surgical management guidelines for Veterans with embedded fragments
40
Any Veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom who has or likely has a retained fragment as the result of an injury received while serving in the area of conflict are eligible for inclusion into the registry.
41
Individuals with embedded fragments are identified by both the VA and the DoD The VA has created a process to screen Veterans for embedded fragments at their local VA facility DoD is creating their own “Embedded Metal Fragment Registry” The DoD and VA are collaborating to ensure that all Veterans who have embedded fragments are identified and receive appropriate follow-up care.
42
The VA Screening process for Veterans with fragments uses the “Clinical Reminder” system
43
Screening Questions Do you have or suspect you have a retained fragment as the result of an injury received while serving in the area of conflict? - Were you injured by a bullet? - Were you injured as a result of a blast or explosion? - Were you in or on a vehicle at the time of the blast or explosion? - Was the blast or explosion caused by: IED, RPG, land mine, grenade, enemy fire, friendly fire, don’t know, or other? - Did you have shrapnel, fragments or bullets removed during surgery? - If yes, were they sent to the lab for analysis? - Do you have retained shrapnel, fragments or bullets in your body? - If yes, have they been documented by radiograph?
44
Screening information is automatically captured in the VA’s Embedded Fragment Registry Then TEFSC determines if the following services are needed: Fragment analysis Biological monitoring Clinical Consultation The VA’s registry will also identify if the individual is in DoD’s registry AND if the individual had a fragment removed and analyzed by DoD.
45
The Embedded Fragment Registry will capture “basic” data Screening Details Answers to screening question Local VA contact person Referral Status Demographic Information Healthcare Information Contact information for Primary Care Provider VA facility where Veteran receives care
46
…and Exposure/Health Details Injury and exposure information Developed standardized exposure questionnaire Biomonitoring data Tests ordered, analyses methods, results, interpretation of results, tracking information Fragment analysis data Analyses methods, results, interpretation of results, tracking information Health outcomes Results of specific clinical tests ICD-9 codes
47
Much of the registry data will come from existing data sources Data RegistrySources Screening data Patient’s electronic medical record Demographic information Healthcare information Health outcome data Biomonitoring DataBaltimore VA Lab system Fragment DataDoD electronic files
48
The registry will help the VA and the DoD refine how cases are identified and provide appropriate medical care for individuals with embedded fragments. Conclusion
49
Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center and Depleted Uranium Program 1-800-815-7533
Similar presentations
© 2024 SlidePlayer.com Inc.
All rights reserved.