Radiation Injuries: Acute Radiation Syndrome in Children

Abstract

The conflict in Ukraine has raised the specter of radiological and nuclear incidents, including fighting at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest nuclear powerplant in Europe; concerns that a radiological dispersion device (“dirty bomb”) may be used; and threats to deploy tactical nuclear weapons. Children are more susceptible than adults to immediate and delayed radiation health effects. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndrome. Although definitive treatment of radiation injuries should involve consultation with specialists, nonspecialists should learn to recognize the distinctive signs of radiation injury and make an initial assessment of severity of exposure. [ Pediatr Ann . 2023;52(6):e231–e237.]

Pediatric Medical Countermeasures: Antidotes and Cytokines for Radiological and Nuclear Incidents and Terrorism

“…1) Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS) for Radiological Incidents and Terrorism 2 : This is an interdisciplinary, international, 4-hour, continuing education course whose textbook is in its fifth edition (2020), that is co-presented by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) 3 and AHLS 4 within the Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center 5 at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. 8 The AACT is an international multi-disciplinary organization uniting scientists and clinicians to promote research, education, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by chemicals, drugs, and toxins.…”

“…2 Ultimately, children are at a higher exposure risk, at more risk of negative outcomes, and may need pharmaceutical countermeasures, or antidotes with specific dosing and administration considerations for radiological and nuclear incidents. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] As a result of this concern, the Western Regional…”