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Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

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<strong>Chemical</strong> <strong>Agents</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Opportunity</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Terrorism</strong><br />

Training Support Package<br />

Participant Guide<br />

Slide 36<br />

Treatment <strong>for</strong> local radiation injury includes providing <strong>for</strong> the patients com<strong>for</strong>t with<br />

adequate pain control. They should avoid nicotine, which reduces blood flow to the skin.<br />

It is critical to prevent or rapidly treat infections that develop. Surgery to debride<br />

devitalized/dead tissue will help prevent infection, but the remaining tissue heals slowly<br />

and poorly. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have a role in improving blood vessel<br />

migration into this damaged tissue.The image shows the chronic wound that can follow<br />

localized radiation injuries.<br />

Erythema and dry desquamation can be treated symptomatically. Lotions or sprays<br />

containing hydrocortisone can be used to relieve the symptoms associated with severe<br />

erythema accompanied by edema. To treat moist desquamation, daily dressings and<br />

bathing <strong>of</strong> the affected skin in antiseptic solutions is helpful. Antibiotic creams can also<br />

be used.<br />

For ulceration, moist dressings and daily cleansing is recommended. Systemic<br />

antibiotics should be utilized <strong>for</strong> verified secondary infection. Surgical debridement can<br />

be problematic because <strong>of</strong> the poor vascularization and integrity <strong>of</strong> the surrounding<br />

tissue. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been demonstrated to improve new blood<br />

vessel growth and stem cell recruitment to ischemic tissue. It should be considered prior<br />

to and after surgical interventions. Opioid analgesics may be necessary <strong>for</strong> prolonged<br />

periods as this chronic wound heals..<br />

The image depicts an individual with an estimated >20 Gy exposure from repeated<br />

fluoroscopy exposures to X-rays during a complicated series <strong>of</strong> angiography procedures<br />

on one day. Some erythema developed about 1 month later with desquamation the<br />

following week. About 4-5 months after exposure, the area began to ulcerate, with the<br />

extensive ulceration seen here at 1½ years after exposure. He eventually underwent<br />

skin grafting.<br />

December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 399

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