6
body burden level of radionuclides; this indicates
that there is probably no correlation with radiation
exposure. Hernoglobin types were considered normal. Sickling tests showed nosickling tendency in
any of the people. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of the red cells appeared to be deficient in
the Marshallese. Studies of Gm phenotypes showed
the Marshallese to have 100% Gm‘*+? and nearly 100% Gm‘*’. There was a complete absence
of Gm" and a high frequency of Gm-like (Gm‘).
Considerable caution must be exercised in evaluating the results of these studies on genetically
inherited characteristics because of the small number of samples tested. The data do seem to indicate
relative homogeneity of the population and closest
kinship with people of Southeast Asia. These data
also may be useful as a base line should genetic
in 4 unexposed individuals, which indicated a rather
high incidence of diabetes.
A survey for intestinal parasites (1958) showed
75% of the people to be infected with various
types. For the three major pathogens found, the
over-all infection rates were, for Entamoeba histolytica, 18.2%; for hookworm, 5.5%; and for
Trichuris trichiura, 34.3%.
Eosinophilia >5% has consistently been noted
in abouthalf the people. The fact that half the cases
with eosinophilia showed no helminthic infections
at all suggests that other factors besides parasitic
infections must be responsible. The eosinophilia
may be related to chronic fungus and other infections, particularly of the skin.
Complementfixation studies for parainfluenza 1,
2, and 3, respiratory syncitial, psittacosis, and Q fe-
changes appearin later generations, possibly related
to radiation exposure.
ver showed antibodies to all groups of viruses
except that for Asian influenza, which probably
following: Serum protein levels were generally on
Marshall Islands. The antibody titers appeared to
be somewhatlowerin the exposed people.
Results of other laboratory studies included the
the high side of normal; electrophoretic patterns
showed the increase in proteins was largely due
to an increase in the gamma globulin fraction. The
had not yet seriously involved the people of the
reason for this is not apparent. Numerous chronic
Sodium levels in the urine and food indicated
DIFFICULTIES ASSOCIATED
WITH THE EXAMINATIONS
about the same consumption of NaCl as in Americans. The generally lower incidence of hypertension in the Marshallese might be related to the
fact that the former native diet was probably lower
in salt content than the present, more westernized
culties were associated with carrying out the examinations as well as interpreting the findings.
1. The language barrier made examinationsdif-
dence of hypertension will later increase.
Marshallese. However, there were sufficient Eng-
diet. It will be interesting to see whether the inci-
As mentioned in previous reports, several diffi-
ficult, since very little English is spoken by the
Serum cholesterol levels (1957, 1959) were
lish-speaking Marshalleseto assist the medical team
the low normal range. No abnormally low readings
data on the Marshallese imposeda seriousdifficulty
in interpretation and evaluation of the medical
somewhat lower in the exposed population than in
the comparison or Utirik populations, but were in
were noted.
Serum creatinine levels (1957) were in the nor-
mal range with no abnormallevels noted.
Serum vitamin B,,. concentrations (1958, 1959)
were generally significantly higher than American
levels. The possibility of contamination of the sam-
ples with bacteria producing vitamin B,, must be
considered, since myeloproliferative and liver diseases were notseen.
Serum protein bound iodine levels (1957, 1959)
were generally slightly elevated. Evidence for thyroid dysfunction was not apparentin the people.
Glucosuria and elevated blood sugar were found
in most instances.
2. The lack of vital statistics or demographic
data. Records of births, deaths, etc., have been
madeby the health aides or magistrates of the villages and supposedly forwarded to the district
administrator; however, such records have been
incomplete or lost in most instances, and vital
Statistics are therefore inadequate. Trust Territory
officials are now attempting to assemble such data.
3. There is uncertainty on the part of some of
the Marshallese as to their exact ages, particularly
among the older group. This imposes certain difficulties in interpreting some of the studies to be
outlined.
ae
infections may be an explanation.