mulative percentage of neutrophils, lymphocvtes,
qT
t
and platelets at various times. From these datait
velopmentof a case of leukemia tend to support
this contention.
1
t
Siri {BY =0.91 +0.090 (TBW)
RCV =0.08 +0.0474 (TBW)
Moore
Marshall
BV
=0.6474+0.115 (TBW)
BV
=0.5337+0.0767(TBW)
RCV=0.158 +0.05296 (TBW)
M ATSNANESE [ RCV = 0.1749 4.0.0441/TBW)
Caucasians
in Pacific
BV =1.2101 +0.0792 (TBW)
RCV =0.1994740.0419 (TBW),
6
Volume, liters
appears that hemopoietic recovery in the exposed
groups was incomplete during the first 13 years
after exposure. Since that timethe levels in the exposed group have been about the sameas in the
unexposed group. Oni the basis of RBC, hematocrit, and hemoglobin determinations, erythropoietic function has been about the samein the exposed and in the comparison population. Thelag
in recovery of leukocytes and platelets may represent residual bone marrow injury. The results of
bone marrow and chromosomestudies and the de-
i
Regression jines
“
4
5 Fr
_
4h
-_
ie oe
4
2
“
3. Bone Marrow
Although bone marrow examinations at 6
monthspost exposure showed nogross abnormalities, Smears on four exposed Rongelap people [0
LL
years later showed alteration in the myeloidervthroid ratio in three of them, manifested by an
increased numberof red cell precursors. In addition to hvperplasia, the findings included abnormalities of chromatin material with double nuclei
and an increased number of mitotic figures 1n the
normoblastic series (see Figures 14 and 15).1! Oc-
casionally, bilobed lymphocytes have been noted
in the peripheral blood of some exposed people.
4. Other Hematological Findings
Total blood volume and red cell volume were
studied 10 years after exposure.!1* No differences
were found between exposed and unexposed Rongelap groups, butit was noted that blood volume
and red cell volume tended to be reduced in many
Marshallese compared with Americans?9 (see Figure 16).12 Several other hematological observations,not related to radiation exposure, were noted.
Eosinophilia >5% in more than half the people
has been a consistent finding. This could be accounted for only partly on the basis ofintestinal
parasitism and maybe related also to numerous
fungus infections of the skin and other chronic infections. Otherfindings possibly related to chronic
infections are above-normal sedimentation rates
and high gammaglobulin levels (both tending to
increase with age). Varying degrees of anemia
have been seen occasionally, particularly in wo* These studies were done by Dr. L.M. Mever, Veterans Administration Hospital, Brooklyn, N.Y., and Dr. W.E. Sin, University of California at Berkeley.
a
W. Siri
aoe
Z--°"
!
0
10
fe
RED CELL VOLUME
a
F. Moore
aanenee Marshallese
4
~—-— Caucasians
L
1
J
20
30
40
in Pacific
Total body water,liters
1
50
60
Figure 16.
men of childbearing age. Price Jones sizing of red
cells in these cases showed a slight microcytic tendency.8 Iron deficiency apparently was not the cause
since serum iron usually was in the normal range.®
Reticulocyte counts have not been significantly
increased in either the exposed or unexposed population. Macrocytic anemia has not been seen.
Vitamin By levels have been unusually high in
the Marshallese§; the cause of this is unknown but
does not appearto be related to liver disease or
leukemia. Thesickling trait has not been seen in
the Marshallese examined.
D. SUBSEQUENT COURSE OF SKIN LESIONS
Theresidualskin lesions noted in the Rongelap
and Ailingnae peoplesince theinitial lesions are
listed in Table 13. During thefirst year many of
the healed areas, particularly on the back of the
neck, showed a roughening (rugosity) and bluishblack pigmentation, which becameless noticeable
with time (see Figures 17 and 18). Deeperlesions
exhibited early residual scarring and lack of pig-