Medical Countermeasures

for radiation exposure and contamination

Introduction

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Video 1: Introduction
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During a radiation emergency there will be a need to triage, assess, and treat patients who have come in contact with radioactive materials or who have been exposed to a high dose of ionizing radiation.

This training will introduce you to:

  • Basic radiation health and triage concepts
  • Four medical countermeasures

Radiation Concepts for Medical Countermeasures References

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Video 2: Radiation Concepts for Medical Countermeasures
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There are important differences between radiation exposure and contamination with radioactive material. An understanding of each is critical for effectively triaging and managing patients.

This section provides an overview of radiation concepts:

  • Radiation definitions
  • Exposure versus contamination
  • External versus internal contamination
  • Radioactive decay and biological excretion
Radioactive decay of an atom

Figure 1: Radioactive decay of an atom

Radiation Defined

Radiation is a type of energy, or electromagnetic wave, ranging from low energy forms (e.g., radio waves) to high energy forms (e.g., gamma rays). Some high energy forms of radiation can ionize atoms by removing electrons (Figure 2). Ionizing radiation can therefore cause health effects and injuries by damaging biological molecules like DNA, proteins, or cell walls.

The electromagnetic spectrum with non-ionizing (lower energy forms into UV spectrum) and ionizing ranges (parts of the UV spectrum and higher energy) identified.

Figure 2: Electromagnetic spectrum – highlighting ionizing radiation

In this course, the term “radiation” will be used in reference to ionizing radiation. Types of ionizing radiation include:

  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Neutrons
  • X-rays
  • Gamma rays

Exposure Versus Contamination

Radiation exposure occurs when a person comes in contact with ionizing radiation. For example, a patient is exposed to radiation when receiving a chest x-ray.

Radioactive contamination occurs when radioactive materials are deposited either on or in the body. For example, if a bomb containing radioactive material explodes, people in the surrounding area could be contaminated with radioactive material.

The important difference between exposure and contamination is that an exposed person has received a one-time dose of radiation, while the contaminated person is being exposed to radiation and potential cell damage for as long as the contamination remains on or in them.

Internal Versus External Contamination

There are two types of radioactive contamination:

  • External contamination occurs when radioactive material is deposited on a person’s body, typically on hair, clothing, and exposed areas of skin.
  • Internal contamination occurs when there is an intake of radioactive material via inhalation, ingestion, injection, or through an open wound.

When a person becomes internally contaminated, the distribution of the radioactive material in the body will depend on the chemical form and particulate size of the material.

Radioactive Decay and Biological Excretion

Radioactive material is removed naturally from the body through a combination of two processes - radioactive decay and biological excretion.

  • Radioactive decay is the amount of time it takes the material to reduce the amount of radiation it emits by half (physical half-life)
  • Biological excretion is the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate half of the internalized amount of radioactive material (biological half-life)

Medical countermeasures work by blocking the incorporation of radionuclides into tissues or by binding to the material so that it is excreted more rapidly. When radioactive material is excreted in a person’s urine or feces, that material is considered contaminated and should be handled using the appropriate precautions when it is transported, tested, or disposed.

Other countermeasures work by supporting the regeneration of cells damaged by high doses of radiation.

The following factors may limit the use of medical countermeasures:

  • There are only a few types of medical countermeasures, and they only work for specific radionuclides.
  • Medical countermeasures are more effective when given prior to or early after radiation exposure or contamination.
  • There may be limited amounts of medical countermeasures available, and you may not know who needs them early after an incident.

More information can be found in the additional resources section below.

Radiation - Question 1: All forms of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum possess some capacity to ionize atoms.
Radiation - Question 2: Which statement is not an accurate distinction between radiation exposure and contamination with radioactive material?

Triage and Medical Countermeasures References

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Video 3: Triage and Medical Countermeasures
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During a radiation incident involving mass casualties, medical history and triage will be critical parts of an effective response effort. Clinicians and public health officials will need to work together to rapidly determine who receives medical countermeasures, which ones, when, and where.

Whenever possible, clinicians should consult radiation health professionals for guidance on radiation detection and dose assessment.

Effective triage during a radiation incident will include:

  • Screening people for radioactive contamination
  • Determining if and which medical countermeasures are needed
  • Managing resource limitation scenarios

During a radiation emergency, individuals may present for care in multiple ways.

Table 1: During an emergency, individuals present for care in multiple ways.
Off-site Staging Areas Emergency Arrival Hospital Walk-in
Presenting for care at off-site staging areas Presenting for care through ambulance services Presenting for care by walk-in arrival at the hospital

Source: REAC/TS

Care

Care providers may be afraid to treat patients due to the presence of radioactive contamination, but real-world experience suggests there is minimal risk to healthcare providers and staff when appropriate protective equipment, such as standard precautions, is worn.

When treating a patient with known or potential radioactive contamination, medical stabilization and resuscitation should come first and should NOT be delayed to perform decontamination. Lifesaving interventions should always be performed without delay.

The need for medical countermeasures is determined by a thorough evaluation that includes the following steps:

  • A focused radiation exposure history, including assessment for adverse health effects
  • A contamination survey with detection equipment
  • Laboratory testing

Focused Radiation Exposure History

A focused radiation exposure history can be a critical tool for identifying dose-related signs and symptoms of radiation exposure and establishing triage priority.

Collecting the following information from patients can help providers develop a radiation dose estimate:

  • Where exactly the patient was located during an incident
  • How long the patient remained in the area
  • The presence and timing of symptoms

Information regarding the type and properties of the radioactive material involved in the incident should also be considered.

Radiation Survey

Basic radiation survey equipment in the hands of a qualified radiation professional can provide a great deal of information and can be used to initially direct medical care while awaiting results of specialized tests.

External contamination found on or near the nose or mouth, or over a wound, indicates the possibility of internal contamination via inhalation or ingestion.

Internal contamination may also be suggested when a survey finds a radiation hotspot over a part of the body that persists despite repeated attempts to decontaminate.

Geiger counter

Figure 3: Ludlum Model 14c with pancake GM probe.
Source: REAC/TS

Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing is an important tool for:

  • Determining the presence, type, and amount of internal contamination
  • Quantifying the radiation dose absorbed by the body

However, in mass casualty settings the capacity for laboratory testing may be limited.

Table 2 provides examples of tests used to assess radiation exposure and internal contamination.

Table 2: Some examples of tests and their use
Test/Procedure Type Use
Urine or stool bioassay Measures the type and amount of radioactivity in the sample
Whole body counters Directly measures the amount of radioactivity in a person’s body
Serial lymphocyte counts, Cytogenetic biodosimetry Help to quantify the radiation dose absorbed by the body

Determining Treatment Need

Clinicians, with the help of radiation health professionals, will evaluate patient exposure history, radiation survey, and laboratory results to determine whether treatment with medical countermeasures is needed.

Clinicians can also use the Clinical Decision Guide (CDG) as a benchmark to determine whether to treat with medical countermeasures. The CDG is specific to the radionuclide and route of exposure (e.g., cesium-137 inhalational exposure) and, for most radionuclides, represents an effective dose of 0.25 Sieverts (Sv) after incorporation into the body. The CDG will be explained in more detail later in this module.

Resource Scarcity

Normally, the presence of internal contamination - in excess of the CDG threshold and from a radionuclide that has an available countermeasure - is a strong indication for treatment.

However, during mass casualty emergencies, demand for treatment may overwhelm available resources. During times of resource scarcity, public health and medical officials may use a number of parameters to manage and direct those resources.

Table 3 provides examples of parameters to consider when triaging patients.

Table 3: Parameters for triaging patients
Parameter Indication
Prodromal Symptoms Vomiting, nausea, or severe diarrhea within minutes of exposure, central nervous system (CNS) manifestations like loss of consciousness or coma, fever, and shock; these symptoms suggest a rapid, terminal prognosis, and therefore may be used to allocate medications to those with better chances of survival.
Injury Status

Reasons for potential triage to a lower priority:

  • Individuals with severe combined injury – extensive traumatic injuries or burns plus a high dose of radiation.
  • Individuals whose risk of health effects are estimated to be marginal or would extend beyond normal lifespan. (e.g., thyroid cancer risk in individuals over 40 years old.)
Laboratory Status If over two days there is a 50% decrease in absolute lymphocyte count to less than 1000 cells per microliter of blood, it can be assumed that at least a moderate radiation dose was received.

(Source: CDC)

Medical Countermeasures

Medical countermeasures that could be used during a radiation emergency include:

  • Potassium Iodide (KI)
  • Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)
  • Prussian blue insoluble
  • Colony Stimulating Factors (CSFs)

These will be discussed in greater depth in the following sections.

In addition to these four countermeasures, there are other supportive medications that will likely be needed. Careful planning for additional supplies in these categories may be required, especially in mass casualty incidents:

  • Antiemetics
  • Antidiarrheals
  • Antibiotics
  • Analgesics
  • Intravenous fluids
  • Blood products
  • Nutritional supplements
Triage - Question 1: Which evaluation method is at risk for delay during a mass casualty radiation emergency?
Triage - Question 2: For patients contaminated with radioactive material, decontamination should precede medical stabilization or resuscitation.

Countermeasures

Potassium Iodide (KI) References

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Video 4: Potassium Iodide (KI)
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This section introduces potassium iodide (KI) and reviews its indications, administration, adverse effects, and some special considerations.

Afterwards, there is the option to apply what you have learned within a case study.

Potassium Iodine

Figure 4: Potassium Iodide (KI)

Description

Potassium iodide (KI) is a salt of stable, non-radioactive, iodine that acts as a blocking agent by directly competing against radioactive iodine for absorption by the thyroid.

Taking KI before or immediately after exposure to radioactive iodine protects the thyroid from radiation injury. Other body parts are not protected by the use of potassium iodide.

Availability

Only Food and Drug Administration-approved preparations of potassium iodide should be used. While these products are available without a prescription, their availability is not guaranteed and shortages may occur during periods of high demand.

Other iodine containing preparations - such as saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) and Lugol’s solution - should not be substituted for FDA-approved preparations and are not recommended.

Indications

Use of KI should be considered shortly after exposure to radioactive iodine, or when the possibility of such exposure exists. Exposure to radioactive iodine is a concern following a nuclear power accident or the detonation of an improvised nuclear device (IND).

The efficacy of potassium iodide depends on the timing of administration:

  • Early administration can provide nearly 100% blockade of radioactive iodine absorption by the thyroid.
  • These benefits decrease substantially with time after exposure.
  • Once administered, a single dose of KI provides protection for up to 24 hours
Time dependence of KI efficacy

Figure 5: Time-dependence of KI efficacy. Concept only; Not for clinical reference. Citation: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10832925

Table 4 provides information on cancer risk from radioactive iodine by age.

Table 4: Cancer risk from radioactive iodine
Risk of Radioiodine Induced Thyroid Cancer Population
Most Risk Infants and children, as well as pregnant and nursing women
Moderate Risk Adults 18–40 years old
Least Risk Individuals over 40 years old

(Source: FDA, CDC)

Dosing and Administration

All forms of KI are taken orally, either in tablet or liquid form. Tablets can be dissolved in liquid for easier administration.

Table 5 provides detailed recommendations on the exposure levels indicating KI use and the appropriate doses for different groups.

Table 5:Threshold Thyroid Radioactive Exposures and Recommended Doses of KI for Different Risk Groups
Risk Group Predicted Thyroid gland exposure (cGy) KI dose (mg) Number or fraction of 130 mg tablets Number or fraction of 65 mg tablets Milliliters (mL) of oral solution, 65 mg/mL***
Adults over 40 years ≥ 500 130 1 2 2 mL
Adults over 18 through 40 years ≥ 10 130 1 2 2 mL
Pregnant or Lactating Women ≥ 5 130 1 2 2 mL
Adolescents, 12 through 18 years* ≥ 5 65 1/2 1 1 mL
Children over 3 years through 12 years ≥ 5 65 1/2 1 1 mL
Children 1 month through 3 years ≥ 5 32 Use KI oral solution** 1/2 0.5 mL
Infants birth through 1 month ≥ 5 16 Use KI oral solution** Use KI oral solution** 0.25 mL

(Source: FDA)

* Adolescents approaching adult size (> 150 lbs) should receive the full adult dose (130 mg)

** Potassium iodide oral solution is supplied in 1 oz (30 mL) bottles with a dropper marked for 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mL dosing. each mL contains 65 mg potassium iodide.

*** See the Home Preparation Procedure for Emergency Administration of Potassium Iodide Tablets to Infants and Small Children.

It has been suggested that administering KI to young children is easier when flavored with raspberry, chocolate milk, orange juice, or flat soda.

Monitoring and Follow-up

Monitor patients for allergic and other adverse reactions to KI.

Side Effects

The adverse effects of KI use are more likely seen if a person:

  • Takes a higher dose than recommended
  • Takes KI for several days
  • Has pre-existing thyroid disease

Adverse effects may include:

  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Allergic reactions
  • Rashes
  • Inflammation of the salivary glands

Individuals may also experience the following symptoms of “iodism”:

  • Metallic taste
  • Burning sensation in the mouth and throat
  • Sore teeth and gums
  • Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection
  • Upset stomach and diarrhea

Infants less than one month old who receive more than one dose of KI are at risk for developing hypothyroidism.

Contraindications

Contraindications to potassium iodide include (*Rare conditions):

  • Allergy to iodine
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis*
  • Urticarial vasculitis*
  • Nodular thyroid with accompanying heart disease

Allergy to shellfish, povidone-iodine, or to radiocontrast media is not equivalent to iodine allergy.

Special Considerations

Infants, pregnant, or breastfeeding individuals:

  • Certain dose limits may apply to minimize the risk of complications

Adults over 40 years old:

  • They have less risk of thyroid injury and cancer after exposure to radioiodine and an increased likelihood of adverse reactions to KI
  • Treatment with KI should only occur if radiation exposure is high enough to potentially cause lifelong hypothyroidism
  • Caution should be applied when treating individuals with:
    • Multinodular goiter
    • Graves’ disease
    • Autoimmune thyroiditis

More information can be found in the additional resources section below.

Case Study - KI

Potassium Iodide / Radioactive Iodine-131 Scenario
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Video 5: Case Study - KI
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Directions: You may choose to watch the video and follow the prompts or click on each scene summary button below and answer all questions.

Case Study – KI – Scene 1

Scene 1 Summary:

  • You are an off-site emergency physician in 1986 Ukraine.
  • Airborne particulate and soil radiation assessments identify radioactive iodine-131 (I-131).
Chernobyl reactor

Figure 6: Chernobyl reactor

KI Question 1: Which organ is most likely to be at risk related to untreated internal contamination with I-131?
KI - Question 2: Based on the presence of I-131, which medical countermeasure would you consider for this incident?

Case Study – KI – Scene 2

Scene 2 Summary:

  • Patients are being transported to your staging area.
  • You must decide which assessments to use for triage.
KI - Question 3: Which of the following may be considered least helpful in determining the amount of internal contamination by airborne particulate I-131?

Case Study – KI – Scene 3

Scene 3 Summary:

  • Radioactive fallout has been ingested by livestock and introduced into the food system.
  • Two patients arrive:
    • 67-year-old man
    • 12-year-old granddaughter
  • Both received an estimated 0.06 Gy dose.
KI - Question 4: Would you recommend treating the child with potassium iodide?
KI - Question 5: How does potassium iodide protect the thyroid gland from radiation injury?

Case Study – KI – Scene 4

Scene 4 Summary:

  • You then review the assessment for the 67-year-old man and consider his treatment plan.
KI - Question 6: By allowing for measurement of iodine uptake rate, and a better calculation of radiation dose.
KI - Question 7: Which are alternatives for potassium iodide for protection of the thyroid gland from radioiodine?

DTPA References

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Video 6: DTPA
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This section introduces DTPA and discuss its indications, administration, adverse effects, and special considerations.

Afterwards, there is the option to apply what you have learned within a case study.

Description

Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid, or DTPA, accelerates renal elimination of radioactive materials from the body in urine and helps to reduce the duration of radiation exposure the body receives from:

  • Plutonium
  • Americium
  • Curium

DTPA does not repair or protect the body from radiation damage.

DTPA treatment may actually increase the deposition of uranium and neptunium into bone and thus is not recommended treatment for contamination with these radionuclides.

There are two available forms of DTPA used to treat internal contamination – calcium-DTPA (Ca-DTPA) and zinc-DTPA (Zn-DTPA).

Availability

Distribution of DTPA from state and federal stockpiles will be managed by public health agencies and administered by medical personnel.

Indications

Use of DTPA is indicated when individuals have been internally contaminated with a significant amount of radioactive plutonium, americium, and/or curium. To assist in determining need for DTPA:

  • Take an exposure history and radiation assessment to determine the potential for internal contamination and to estimate the radiation dose.
  • Compare bioassay results to the appropriate Clinical Decision Guide, or CDG.

Starting DTPA treatment as close to the time of exposure as possible is ideal, but even delayed administration can be useful.

Ca-DTPA and Zn-DTPA are indicated differently based on the patient’s time since radiation exposure:

  • Ca-DTPA is considered more effective in the first 24 hours, but carries higher risk of mineral depletion from the body if given over a long duration.
  • Zn-DTPA is considered equally effective as Ca-DTPA 24 hours after exposure, and carries less long-term risk of mineral depletion.

Pregnant women should receive Zn-DTPA if available. However, for pregnant women and other populations, if Zn-DTPA is not available, long-term treatment with Ca-DTPA is still indicated but should be given with a multivitamin supplement and monitoring for mineral depletion, particularly zinc, magnesium, and manganese.

Dosing and Administration

DTPA can be administered intravenously or by nebulizer. All forms of DTPA should be given as a single dose, once daily.

Tables 6 and 7 provide information on DTPA dosing and administration for adults and children.

Table 6: DTPA dosing and administration for adults
Route Dose of DTPA
IV Push 1g of DTPA solution, available as a single vial with a volume of 5 mL, can be administered via slow IV push over 3-4 minutes
IV Infusion 1g of DTPA solution can be diluted in 100-250 mL of 5% Dextrose in Water, Ringers Lactate, or Normal Saline and administered over 30 minutes.
Nebulizer 1g of DTPA solution, 1 gram in 5 mL, can be 1:1 diluted with 5mL sterile water or Normal Saline, and inhaled over 15-20 minutes
NOTE: Both Zn-DTPA and Ca-DTPA may exacerbate asthma.

(Source: REMM)

Table 7: DTPA dosing and administration for children
Route Dose of DTPA
IV Push 14mg/kg/day, not to exceed 1g/day, of DTPA can be administered via slow IV push over 3-4 minutes
IV Infusion 14mg/kg/day, not to exceed 1g/day, of DTPA can be diluted in 100-250 mL of 5% Dextrose in Water, Ringers Lactate, or Normal Saline and administered over 30 minutes

(Source: REMM)

Monitoring and Follow-up

When possible, obtain samples of blood, urine, or feces to determine the amount of radioactivity present and to establish baseline laboratory values before initiating treatment.

Laboratory tests often used to monitor patient condition and treatment status include:

  • Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
  • Serum electrolytes and renal function
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood and urine bioassays

These samples should be routinely collected to establish the effectiveness of treatment and to determine when treatment can be terminated.

Individuals that receive DTPA should also be monitored for allergic and other adverse reactions.

Adverse Effects

The main adverse effects of DTPA use include:

  • Depletion of certain essential minerals
    • Zinc
    • Magnesium
    • Manganese
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Pruritus
  • Muscle cramps

Patients receiving nebulized DTPA may also experience breathing difficulties.

Contraindications

There are no known contraindications for DTPA treatment.

Special Considerations

Ca-DTPA should be used cautiously with:

  • Children
  • Pregnant women
  • Patients that have:
    • Kidney disease
    • Hemochromatosis

Nebulized DTPA treatment may be associated with exacerbations of asthma.

Case Study - DTPA

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Video 7: Case Study: DTPA
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Directions: You may choose to watch the video and follow the prompts or click on each scene summary button below and answer all questions.

Case Study B: DTPA, Question Set 1

Scene 1 Summary:

  • A truck crashed, rupturing a commercial-grade, encapsulated americium source.
  • Emergency responders found three men looking over the contents of the spilled cargo. They were not wearing respiratory protection.
  • You are an emergency physician working at the medical facility where these three individuals present.
Truck accident with damaged cargo

Figure 7: Truck accident with damaged cargo

DTPA - Question 1: Including americium, what other radionuclides can be treated with DTPA?

Case Study – DTPA – Scene 2

Scene 2 Summary:

  • The workers provide a verbal exposure history, participate in a more comprehensive radiation assessment, and provide you with urine and blood samples.
  • DTPA treatment is started.
DTPA - Question 2: If treatment is initiated within 24-hours of exposure, what form of DTPA should be administered?
DTPA - Question 3: Given only what is known, what route of administration could you recommend for DTPA treatment?

Case Study – DTPA – Scene 3

Scene 3 Summary:

  • One of the patients mentions that he forgot his albuterol inhaler at home as he left for work.
DTPA - Question 4: What, if at all, does a diagnosis of asthma implicate for his treatment plan?
DTPA - Question 5: Which is not a correct statement about the possible adverse effects of treatment with DTPA?

Case Study – DTPA – Scene 4

Scene 4 Summary:

  • Only Zn-DTPA is readily available.
  • Treatment included a number of doses with monitoring over several months.
DTPA - Question 6: In a situation such as this where Ca-DTPA will not be available when it is usually indicated, what is the appropriate next action?

Prussian Blue References

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Video 8: Prussian Blue
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This section introduces Prussian blue insoluble (referenced as Prussian blue in the rest of the module), and discusses its indications, administration, adverse effects, and special considerations.

Afterwards, there is the option to apply what you have learned within a case study.

Description

Prussian blue reduces radiation exposure by binding to and enhancing elimination of radioactive cesium and thallium. These radionuclides are eliminated through the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing their reabsorption into the body.

Prussian blue is only effective for cesium and thallium. It does not work for other radionuclides and does not repair radiation damage that has already occurred.

Availability

Prussian blue comes in 500 mg blue capsules. It is a prescription medication that will be provided by public health officials or medical personnel after an emergency.

Prussian blue is currently kept in federal stockpiles for distribution as needed during a radiation emergency.

Indications

Prussian blue is indicated when individuals have been internally contaminated with a significant dose of radioactive cesium or thallium.

Prussian blue is FDA-approved for treatment of adults and children ages 2 and older. At this time, studies have not determined a safe dose for individuals younger than two years old; however, use in children under two may be authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization granted by the FDA at the time of an event.

To assist in determining need for Prussian blue:

  • Take an exposure history and radiation assessment to determine the potential for internal contamination and to estimate the radiation dose.
  • Compare bioassay results to the appropriate Clinical Decision Guide, or CDG.

Dosing and Administration

Prussian blue is given orally, usually as a capsule. However, Prussian blue capsules may be opened and added to food or liquid for easier administration, or can be administered via nasogastric tubes, orogastric tubes, or any other device that can deliver the medication to the gastrointestinal tract.

Safe treatment with Prussian blue has not been established for individuals younger than two years old.

Table 8 provides information on Prussian blue dosing and administration for adults and children.

Table 8: Prussian blue dosing and administration
Category Route Dose of Prussian Blue
Adults and adolescents (12+ yrs) Oral 3g, three times per day
Children (2-12 yrs) Oral 1g, three times per day

(Source: FDA label)

Treatment with Prussian blue is recommended for a minimum of 30 days.

Treatment effectiveness and decisions on discontinuation are determined by periodic whole body radiation counts and monitoring of radioactivity levels in urine and stool samples.

Monitoring and Follow-up

Prussian blue is known to cause hypokalemia and therefore:

  • Serum potassium levels should be monitored
  • Patients with pre-existing cardiac arrhythmias or electrolyte disorders should be monitored closely

During the course of Prussian blue treatment, samples of blood, urine, or feces may be collected to establish the effectiveness of treatment and/or the amount of radioactivity present.

Individuals that receive Prussian blue should also be monitored for allergic and other adverse reactions.

Contraindications

There are no known contraindications for Prussian blue treatment.

Special Considerations

Prussian blue artist’s dye is not the same chemical as Prussian blue insoluble and should not be taken in an effort to treat internal contamination.

Only FDA-approved forms of Prussian blue should be used.

Case Study - Prussian Blue

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Video 9: Case Study - Prussian Blue
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Directions: You may choose to watch the video and follow the prompts or click on each scene summary button below and answer all questions.

Case Study - PB Question Set 1

Scene 1 Summary:

  • You are a physician on the initial three-person team at the Olympic Stadium triage station in Goiania, Brazil, September 1987, responding to reports of a number of potential exposure cases.
  • A young man who has just vomited tells you he thinks he might have food poisoning; a contamination screening of the individual and the vomitus indicates radioactivity.
  • Based on measurements and medical history taken so far the assumption is that the radionuclide is a Cesium-137.
Screening for radiation in Goiania, Brazil

Figure 8: Screening for radiation in Goiania, Brazil (Source: NCEC)

PB - Question 1: Including cesium, what other radionuclide is relevant for treatment with Prussian blue?

Case Study - PB - Scene 2

Scene 2 Summary:

  • Your team rapidly evaluates the remaining individuals waiting in the stadium.
  • You anticipate some will need treatment with Prussian blue, and provide guidance to local staff and to educate patients.
PB - Question 2: What is the primary mechanism of action of Prussian blue?

Case Study – PB – Scene 3

Scene 3 Summary:

  • The extent of population exposure is clearer, and you volunteer to help the hospital scale up medical response operations in anticipation of high patient volumes.
  • The medical history of one individual reveals that he came in contact with the radioactive source one week ago, and a radiation screening indicates he is internally contaminated; he had been avoiding medical staff out of fear.
PB - Question 3: Given the week-long gap between initial exposure and presentation, would you still recommend treatment with Prussian blue?

Case Study – PB – Scene 4

Scene 4 Summary:

  • After an assessment you recommend Prussian blue with monitoring of stool and urine output to assess the elimination of radioactive cesium.
PB - Question 4: When should treatment with Prussian blue be terminated?

Colony Stimulating Factors References

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Video 10: Colony Stimulating Factors
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This section introduces colony stimulating factors and discusses its indications, administration, adverse effects, and special considerations.

Afterwards, there is the option to apply what you have learned within a case study.

Description

Colony stimulating factors (CSFs) are used to treat bone marrow suppression by stimulating the development of granulocytes – in particular, neutrophils. Colony stimulating factors are commonly used for bone marrow suppression in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The effect of treatment is to help reestablish and support the body’s ability to fight infection and produce white blood cells.

It is anticipated that these medications will be recommended for use during a radiation emergency under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA related to the treatment of acute radiation syndrome.

Availability

Colony stimulating factors are currently part of federal stockpiles.

Hospital supplies of colony stimulating factors may be depleted quickly during a mass casualty event, and public health officials will need to manage and direct federal resources to maximize their benefit during a radiation emergency.

Indications

The decision to treat a patient with colony stimulating factors should only be made after a careful assessment of risk by a team of knowledgeable professionals that include:

  • Healthcare providers
  • Radiation health professionals
  • Professionals with maternal-fetal expertise (for pregnant women)

Table 9 describes indications that should be considered when determining the need for colony stimulating factors.

Table 9: Indications for treatment with CSFs
Potential Indications for Treatment with CSFs Details
Symptomology

Rapid onset of moderate or severe prodromal symptoms of acute radiation syndrome:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Elevated body temperature
Radiation Dose Greater than or equal to 2 Gy whole or (significant) partial body exposure
White Blood Cell Counts A high probability of prolonged, significant neutropenia.

(Source: REMM, CDC)

Early treatment with colony stimulating factors, particularly within the first 72 hours after exposure, is thought to provide more benefit than delayed treatment. However, even initiating treatment several days after exposure may be beneficial.

In general, treatment should continue until an individual’s absolute neutrophil count is consistently above 1000 cells per microliter of blood.

Dosing and Administration

Colony stimulating factors are generally administered subcutaneously (SC), but may also be given intravenously (IV).

Table 10 provides dosing and administration information for three different colony stimulating factors.

Table 10: Dosing and administration for CSFs
Category Example Adult Dose
G-CSF filgrastim
  • Subcutaneous administration
  • 5 ug/kg/day via single daily injection
  • Continued until absolute neutrophil count > 1.0 x 109 cells/L
Pegylated G-CSF pegfilgrastim 
  • 1 subcutaneous dose, 6 mg
  • Consider second 6 mg dose 7 or more days after initial dose, if significant neutropenia persists
GM-CSF sargramostim
  • Subcutaneous administration
  • 250 ug/m2/day
  • Continued until absolute neutrophil count > 1.0 x 109 cells/L

(Source: REMM)

G-CSF = granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

GM-CSF = granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Monitoring and Follow-up

Individuals that receive colony stimulating factors should be monitored for:

  • Allergic and other adverse reactions
  • Complete blood counts with differential, especially neutrophil counts
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Evidence of splenic injury:
    • Abdominal pain
    • Left upper quadrant pain
    • Left shoulder pain

Side Effects

The adverse effects of colony stimulating factors include:

  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Allergic reactions
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness

Other severe adverse effects associated with use of colony stimulating factors include:

  • Splenic rupture
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • Alveolar hemorrhage
  • Hemoptysis
  • Sickle cell crisis, for patients with sickle cell disease

Contraindications

Colony stimulating factors should not be administered to individuals with a known history of hypersensitivity reactions to CSF medications or to E. coli-derived proteins.

Special Considerations

Excretion of CSF components into breast milk is not known at this time.

Case Study - CSFs

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Video 11: Case Study - Colony Stimulating Factors (CSFs)
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Directions: You may choose to watch the video and follow the prompts or click on each scene summary button below and answer all questions.

Case Study – CSF – Scene 1

Scene 1 Summary:

  • In a Chinese herbal medicine plant, one worker spent 16 minutes in front of an unshielded 18,000 Curie cobalt irradiation device.
  • The man was brought in for care and exhibited vomiting, a fever (38.9 C), and facial flushing within one half-hour after exposure.
  • In addition to ordering blood work to continue monitoring his lymphocyte counts, you are considering other treatment options including colony stimulating factors (CSF).
Commercial food irradiator with an actual picture of a retracted radioactive source.

Figure 9: Commercial Irradiator (Source: Adapted from NRC, photo courtesy of Nordion.)

CSF - Question 1: In the United States, are colony stimulating factors currently approved for use for neutropenia caused by exposure to radiation in an emergency?

Case Study – CSF – Scene 2

Scene 2 Summary:

  • The man’s lymphocyte count continues to decline, and you decide that this patient would benefit from the colony stimulating factor filgrastim.
CSF - Question 2: Based on available evidence for CSFs administered to treat radiation emergency exposures, the period of best response lasts how many hours post exposure?
CSF - Question 3: What is the recommended dose and route of administration for filgrastim used to treat neutropenia?

Case Study – CSF – Scene 3

Scene 3 Summary:

  • Even after the initiation of CSF therapy, by 45 hours post exposure the man’s lymphocyte count had decreased to 0.
  • By day 4, he had started exhibiting signs of clinical decline, including difficulty breathing, hypotension (blood pressure 84/56 mmHg), and hypoxemia (88% oxygen saturation).
  • By day 7, his white blood cell count decreased to 100 cells per microliter.
CSF - Question 4: Filgrastim is typically discontinued based on neutrophil counts. Which laboratory result is supportive of treatment discontinuation?
CSF - Question 5: Which of the following is a contraindication for the administration of filgrastim?

Case Study – CSF – Scene 4

Scene 4 Summary:

  • Bone marrow tests revealed that there was too much damage to rely on autologous hematopoietic reconstitution, and blood stem cell transplantation was pursued.
  • While improvement of WBC counts was documented, other complications led to the development of intestinal paralysis, obstruction, and shock.
  • Emergency surgery was provided but post-surgery the patient developed pneumonia and sepsis, and died 14 days after surgery – a total of 62 days after exposure.

Clinical Decision Guides References

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Video 12: Clinical Decision Guides
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This final segment introduces the Clinical Decision Guide, a critical benchmark that can be used by clinicians in addition to other factors to help determine if medical countermeasures are indicated for a particular patient.

The Clinical Decision Guide (CDG) is an operational quantity that is specific to a type of radionuclide and a route of exposure (e.g. cesium-137 inhalational exposure). The CDG of children (0-18 yrs) and pregnant women is 20% that of adults.

For most radionuclides, the CDG is defined by the amount (activity) of radioactive material delivering an effective dose of 0.25 Sieverts (Sv) after incorporation into the body. This dose represents about a 1.3% lifetime risk of fatal cancer attributable to the exposure. Radiation measurements from a urine sample above a CDG value suggest the potential for a higher attributable lifetime fatal cancer risk and may help clinicians decide whether or not to start countermeasure treatment.

The CDG can also be used as a screening level indicating the need for a more comprehensive investigation of the radiation dose received by a patient.

More information about the Clinical Decision Guide can be found in the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements report number 161 (NRCP 161).

CDG - Question 1: Treatment with medical countermeasures should only occur after comparing urine sample values to their corresponding CDG.

Additional Resources

Medical Countermeasure Specific Links

Websites and Agencies Related to Radiation Preparedness:

References (by section)

Radiation Concepts

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Pharmacotherapy. Retrieved 1 21, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Pharmacotherapy.htm

CDC. (2013, 8 5). CDC Radiation Emergencies | Treatments for Radiation Exposure and Contamination. Retrieved 1 26, 2014, from http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/countermeasures.asp

FDA. (2009, 4 7). Bioterrorism and Drug Preparedness – Questions and Answers on Calcium-DTPA and Zinc-DTPA (Updated). Retrieved 2 5, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm130314.htm

NLM – REMM. (2013, 8 30). Potassium Iodide (KI) – Radiation Emergency Medical Management. Retrieved 2 10, 2014, from http://www.remm.nlm.gov/potassiumiodide.htm

REAC/TS. (2013). The Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents. Oak Ridge: REAC/TS.

Triage and Medical Countermeasures

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Pharmacotherapy. Retrieved 1 21, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Pharmacotherapy.htm

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Planning. Retrieved 01 23, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Planning.htm

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Treatment. Retrieved 1 26, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Treatment.htm

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Triage. Retrieved 1 26, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Triage.htm

NCRP, N. C. (2008). Report No. 161 I – Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (2008). http://www.ncrppublications.org/reports/161_i. Retrieved from 161 I – Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (2008): http://www.ncrppublications.org/reports/161_i

NLM - REMM. (2013, 8 30). Potassium Iodide (KI) – Radiation Emergency Medical Management. Retrieved 2 10, 2014, from http://www.remm.nlm.gov/potassiumiodide.htm

REAC/TS. (2013). The Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents. Oak Ridge: REAC/TS.

KI

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Pharmacotherapy. Retrieved 1 21, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Pharmacotherapy.htm

CDC. (2011, 3 18). CDC Radiation Emergencies | Radiation and Potassium Iodide (KI). Retrieved 2 3, 2014, from http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/japan/ki.asp

CDC. (2013, 8 5). CDC Radiation Emergencies | Treatments for Radiation Exposure and Contamination. Retrieved 1 26, 2014, from http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/countermeasures.asp

FDA. (2011, 5 4). Bioterrorism and Drug Preparedness – Frequently Asked Questions on Potassium Iodide (KI). Retrieved 2 4, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm072265.htm

NLM – REMM. (2013, 8 30). Potassium Iodide (KI) – Radiation Emergency Medical Management. Retrieved 2 10, 2014, from http://www.remm.nlm.gov/potassiumiodide.htm

REAC/TS. (2013). The Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents. Oak Ridge: REAC/TS.

DTPA

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Pharmacotherapy. Retrieved 1 21, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Pharmacotherapy.htm

CDC. (2013, 8 5). CDC Radiation Emergencies | Treatments for Radiation Exposure and Contamination. Retrieved 1 26, 2014, from http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/countermeasures.asp

FDA. (2009, 4 7). Bioterrorism and Drug Preparedness – Questions and Answers on Calcium-DTPA and Zinc-DTPA (Updated). Retrieved 2 5, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm130314.htm

NCRP, N. C. (2008). Report No. 161 I – Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (2008). http://www.ncrppublications.org/reports/161_i. Retrieved from 161 I – Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (2008): http://www.ncrppublications.org/reports/161_i

NLM – REMM. (2013, 8 30). Ca-DTPA/Zn-DTPA (Diethylentriamene pentaacetate) – Radiation Emergency Medical Management. Retrieved 2 11, 2014, from http://www.remm.nlm.gov/dtpa.htm

REAC/TS. (2013). The Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents. Oak Ridge: REAC/TS.

Prussian Blue

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Pharmacotherapy. Retrieved 1 21, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Pharmacotherapy.htm

CDC. (2013, 8 5). CDC Radiation Emergencies | Treatments for Radiation Exposure and Contamination. Retrieved 1 26, 2014, from http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/countermeasures.asp

FDA. (2003, 2 3). Guidance for Industry on Prussian Blue for Treatment of Internal Contamination With Thallium or Radioactive Cesium; Availability. Retrieved 2 5, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/03-2597.htm

FDA. (2009, 4 7). Bioterrorism and Drug Preparedness – Questions and Answers on Prussian Blue. Retrieved 2 5, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm130337.htm

NCRP, N. C. (2008). Report No. 161 I – Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (2008). http://www.ncrppublications.org/reports/161_i. Retrieved from 161 I – Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (2008): http://www.ncrppublications.org/reports/161_i

NLM – REMM. (2013, 8 30). Prussian Blue – Radiation Emergency Medical Management. Retrieved 2 12, 2014, from http://www.remm.nlm.gov/prussianblue.htm

REAC/TS. (2013). The Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents. Oak Ridge: REAC/TS.

Colony Stimulating Factors

Amgen. (2013, 9). NEUPOGEN (filgrastim). Retrieved 2 10, 2014, from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/103353s5157lbl.pdf

CDC. (2006, 4 15). Medical Response to Mass Casualties – Pharmacotherapy. Retrieved 1 21, 2014, from http://www.orau.gov/hsc/RadMassCasualties/content/Pharmacotherapy.htm

CDC. (2013, 8 5). CDC Radiation Emergencies | Treatments for Radiation Exposure and Contamination. Retrieved 1 26, 2014, from http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/countermeasures.asp

CDC. (2013, 11 1). Safety Information – Neupogen (filgrastim). Retrieved 2 10, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm219032.htm

NLM – REMM. (2013, 8 30). White Cell Growth Factors/Cytokines – Radiation Emergency Medical Management. Retrieved 2 11, 2014, from http://www.remm.nlm.gov/cytokines.htm

REAC/TS. (2013). The Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents. Oak Ridge: REAC/TS.

Clinical Decision Guides

NCRP, N. C. (2008). Report No. 161 I – Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (2008). http://www.ncrppublications.org/reports/161_i. Retrieved from 161 I – Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (2008): http://www.ncrppublications.org/reports/161_i

REAC/TS. (2013). The Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents. Oak Ridge: REAC/TS.


This training was prepared for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) through an interagency agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). ORISE is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities under DOE contract number DE-AC05-06OR23100.

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