any evidence of tissue breakdown or sign of malignancy. Dr. Cannon did
not feel that surgical procedures were indicated in any of these cases
at this time.
Color pictures and biopsies were taken which will be
reported on later.
Preliminary survey of the hematological. data shows that there is |
in most cases continued improvement in the blood picture.
The degree
of improvement depends on which set of control data is used for
comparison.
The W.B.C. and absolute neutrophiles appear to be about
normal now.
The lymphocytes, though slightly increased over one year,
still appear to be slightly below control means.
The platelets showed
slight increase in the males over the one-year counts, but slight
decrease was noted in the females, so that in general the platelet
mean counts still remain slightly below control mean counts.
The
hematocrit was found to be about the same as in the control people.
In view of the eosinophilia present in many of the people, both
controls and Rongelap, stool examinations were carried out on 10
Rongelap individuals with high eosinophil counts. No ova or parasites
were seen.
The cause for the eosinophilia remains obscure.
Examination of the eyes by Colonel Lowrey revealed no lens
\
opacities or other findings which could be directly related to radiation
effect. Many eye conditions were encountered among both controls and
Rongelap people, however.
In several cases cataracts had resulted in
marked visual impairment and surgical removal was accomplished.
Fifty-seven liters of urine were collected at random from exposed |
Rongelap people and precipitated for radiochemical analysis at Walter
Reed Army Hospital. Preliminary results have revealed measurable
activity to be present. A more detailed report, along with specific
analysis for radionuclides, will be forthcoming in the near future.
Ten individual 24-hour urine samples on Rongelap people were obtained
and given to NRDL for analysis. No results have been reported on
these samples yet.
Respectfully submitted,
OLA @ Coral, AL
ROBERT A. CONARD, M.D.
ENCLOSURE 1
1182304