Nuclear Detonation and Effect on Platelet

The problem of nuclear detonation due to the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan is still a hot issue at present. Although there are many reports on the side effect of exposure to leak nuclides, there are very few reports on the effect on platelet. With references to the previous well-known nuclear crisis, the Chernobyl crisis, there are some reports on this topic. Indeed, hematologic changes, particularly in the oxidative enzymes of platelets, are reported in exposed populations. ¹ In addition, in case with acute radiation syndrome, severe thrombocytopenia can be observed and the early management by fresh donor platelet mass transfusions is recommended. ^2,3 This condition can be improved after a long-term follow-up. ⁴ However, in some cases, persistent postradiation thrombocytopenia accompanied with bone marrow failure can be seen and the recommended treatment is hematopoietic cell infusion. ⁵