LATE COMPLICATIONS OF SULFUR MUSTARD IN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

In the last few years many chemically injured patients have been visited throughout the country in order to investigate the late respiratory complications of sulfur mustard. 35 patients who were previously admitted for mustard poisoning underwent complete clinical examination as well as spirometry, fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB), Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and trans bronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). The results of this study reveal a high incidence of air flow obstruction in these patients (50% ).BAL shows decreased numbers of macrophages and increased numbers of lymphocytes and neutrophils, and the presence of eosinophils (between 1 to 5%). Certain pathologic features have been encountered. We conclude that late respiratory complications of sulfur mustard are major causes of morbidity and are quite resistant to therapy.