SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF VARIOUS HORMONES FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONTAINING SULFUR MUSTARD

Serum concentration of FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, ACTH, cortisol, TSH, T4, T3 and resin T3 uptake were measured in 146 men who were exposed to vesicants used by the Iraqi regime a few days t04 weeks prior to testing. Clinical and laboratory findings had confirmed the use of mustard gas. Mean serum concentrations of FSH, LH, TSH and prolactin were not significantly different from normal values. Free T4 index (FT41) was subnormal in 6 men, and its mean was somewhat decreased (7.4 ± 0.8 vs normal 8.7 ± 1.2 P < 0.05). Free T3 index (FT31) was subnormal in 14 men, and its mean was significantly lower than normal (92 ± 20 vs 130 ± 11 P < 0.001). Serum testosterone concentration was subnormal in 42 men, and its mean was significantly lower than normal (361 ± 254 vs 676 ± 273 ngldl P < 0.001). Serum cortisol was subnormal in 11 and above normal in 8 men, its mean was not significantly different from normal values. There was an increase in serum ACTH concentration. We conclude that exposure to chemical weapons containing mustards may cause severe alterations in serum concentrations of various hormones.