groups is a completely valid control group, and the caveats associated with interpretation of the data using these groups are pointed out in Section IX.C.
C.
Results
During the past six years, general medical findings in the Rongelar and
Utirik populations continued to be ccmparable and very similar to those noted
in previous years. There ‘ere no apparent differences between the exposed and
unexposed people from either atoll in incidences of specific diseases (other
than thyroid abnommalities, described in Section iX).
Subjects in all groups continued to exhibit extensive dental cisease -multiple caries,
peridontal inflammatioa, and early endentulism —~ despite re-
peticive instruction and encouragement in dental hygiene.
Dermatophytic dermatoses and pediculosis, sometimes with seco:.iery infection, remained common, particularly among the children, in whom wolluscum
contagiosum also occurred with high frequency.
The ophthalmological findings were similar to those reported in the 20year report (1). Ttese included a hign incidence of pinguecuiae and pterygia,
arcus senilis, and senile cataracts. No radiogenic cataracts have heen noted.
Though some of the cataracts have been associated with diabetes, vascular
changes in the fundus associated with this disease vere minimal (se Section
VII).
VIL.
The high incidence of diabetes among the adults is discussed in Section
Adults continued cto have evidence of hypertension as indicated by
systolic pressures >140 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg. Virtually every adult
studied, regardless of exposure group, registered pressures above these limits
at least once during the past six years., Repeated elevations (cwo or more)
were found in 12 of 42 Rongelap exposed adults, 21 of 55 Utirik exposed
adults, and 20 of 64 Rongelap controls. This frequency is higher thar the 9%
incidence reported during the first 20 years (1) and may reflect the advancing
age of all grouyvs. Overt clinical evidence of hypertensive heart disease or
retinopathy rev.ains scarce.
Evidence of degenerative osteoarthritis in the elderly was uniformly at
parent among all groups with equal frequency, and musculo-skeletal complaints
such as backaches, lower extremity pain, and decreased flexib‘lity were common.
Pelvic examinations, including Pap smears, resulted in abnormal findings
in 7% of the female population examined. Cervical inflammation and tcrichomonas were commonly seen, and occasionally fungus infections, herpes, and
condylamata.
The fungal infections were often correlated with diabetes as
evidenced by elevated blood sugar levels. Several toxemias of pregnancy were
noted. The incidences of the above abnormalities were about the same in the
exposed as in the unexposed females.*
Hypertension was practically nonexistent in Marshallese children. Obesity was noted primarily in some girls after they had reached puberty. In
*Dr. Ruth Nicoloff (Permanente Medical Group, Los Ang2les) was responsibie for
interpreting the Pap smears.