PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED
BROOKHAVEN
NATIONAL
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LABORATORY
MEMORANDUM
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27th, 1977
TO:
See Distribution Below
FROM:
R.A. Conard ga
SUBJECT:
Recent Items
Medical Program, Marshall Islands
Increasing evidence for developing thyroid hypofunction in exposed
Rongelap people needs further investigation.
Conference with Drs. Larsen
(Peter Bent Brigham) and Robbins and Wolff (NIH) resulted in plans to
stop synthroid therapy on all exposed Rongelap people who have not had
thyroid surgery for a period of three months,
and then test for hypothyroid
state in each individual measuring TSH levels and in some cases using the
TRH stimulation test.
In view of possible compensation for hypothyroidism
in the exposed Rongelap peoples and also for medical reasons, it is felt
that a more accurate assessment of thyroid function is necessary.
The high incidence of multiple intestinal parasite infestation in the
Marshallese has always been a problem.
Dr. A. Krotoski (PHS), an expert
in this field participating in the past survey, believes it may be possible
to virtually eradicate most parasites in individuals on an island using the
FDA-approved (3-4 years) anthelminthic, mebendazole (Vermox R), which is
very effective against Ascaris, hookworm and Trichuris, which are the most
common parasites in the Marshallese.
The drug is quite safe with virtually
no side effects since it is not absorbed.
The plan is to carry out the program on Rongelap as a test island as follows:
In June, Knudsen would get a small stool specimen (to be analyzed later
by Dr. Krotoski) on each individual, to be followed by 1 tablet mebendazole
(100 mg),b.i.d. for three days.
This treatment would be repeated on three
quarterly surveys followed by reanalysis of stools - Ortho Pharmaceuticals
has agreed to provide the drug free of charge for this purpose.
If the
results are satisfactory, this program could be of great value to the Trust
Territory Health Services for other use in the islands.
Dr. Knudsen says he heard that Bakol and Bakol lawyers are going to
the U.S. Senate Committee, which will review the Burton bill passed by the
House of Representatives,
Utirik people.
presumably to influence them on behalf of the
Knud also heard that two more exposed Rongelap people (
will be going to Japan for medical examinations under the auspices of
Ataji Balos.
I guess this may be in order for the leftist Japanese antiA and H bomb groups to get more fuel for their big Hiroshima Day rally.
I
to i720b0
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