Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Bābul (Jul 1999)
Evaluation of chronic effects of chemical warfare on PFT in Iranian combatants during Iran-Iraq war
Abstract
Objective: In the imposed Iraq-Iran war during 1985, 1986 and 1988, soldiers injured by chemical warfare were referred to us by the Mostazefan foundation and Sepah for evaluation of their pulmonary status. Methods: Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed on these patients to evaluate the pattern of abnormality: Particularly focusing on the chronic changes that took place during the long interval between contact with chemical agents and PFT. Findings: A total of 52 patients were evaluated of whom 26 (51%) showed obstructive pattern, 21 (38%) were normal and 5 (11%) showed restrictive pattern. The majority of patients were 20-40 years of age. The minimum time interval between contact and PFT was 6 years. Conclusion: From this study was can probably conclude that the major effect of chemical agents on the airway is obstruction and that over a period of time this will be reversible.
