KSPM
Search
- Page Path
- HOME > Search
Original Articles
- Comorbid Conditions in Persons Exposed to Ionizing Radiation and Veterans of the Soviet–Afghan War: A Cohort Study in Kazakhstan
- Saule Sarkulova, Roza Tatayeva, Dinara Urazalina, Ekaterina Ossadchaya, Venera Rakhmetova
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(1):55-64. Published online November 1, 2023
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.333
- 920 View
- 79 Download
-
Abstract
Summary
PDF - Objectives
This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of comorbid conditions in patients exposed to ionizing radiation and those who were involved in the Soviet–Afghan war.
Methods
This study analyzed the frequency and spectrum of morbidity and comorbidity in patients over a long-term period (30-35 years) following exposure to ionizing radiation at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site or the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, and among participants of the Soviet–Afghan war. A cohort study, both prospective and retrospective, was conducted on 675 patients who underwent comprehensive examinations.
Results
Numerical data were analyzed using the Statistica 6 program. The results are presented as the mean±standard deviation, median, and interquartile range (25-75th percentiles). The statistical significance of between-group differences was assessed using the Student t-test and Pearson chi-square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension (55.0%) and cardiac ischemia (32.9%); these rates exceeded the average for this age group in the general population.
Conclusions
The cumulative impact of causal occupational, environmental, and ultra-high stress factors in the combat zone in participants of the Soviet–Afghan war, along with common conventional factors, contributed to the formation of a specific comorbidity structure. This necessitates a rational approach to identifying early predictors of cardiovascular events and central nervous system disorders, as well as pathognomonic clinical symptoms in this patient cohort. It also underscores the importance of selecting suitable methods and strategies for implementing treatment and prevention measures. -
SummaryKey Message
This study investigated the long-term health effects on 675 individuals exposed to ionizing radiation at Semipalatinsk and Chornobyl, and those involved in the Soviet–Afghan war. Results showed a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, notably hypertension (55%) and cardiac ischemia (32.9%), compared to the general population. The findings highlight the need for early detection of cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders in these groups, emphasizing tailored treatment and prevention strategies.- Cancer Incidence in Korean Vietnam Veterans During 1992-2003: The Korean Veterans Health Study
- Sang-Wook Yi
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2013;46(6):309-318. Published online November 28, 2013
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.6.309
- 20,567 View
- 143 Download
- 21 Crossref
-
Abstract
PDF
Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the association between Vietnam experience including exposure to military herbicides and cancer incidence in Korean Vietnam War veterans.
Methods The cancer cases of 185 265 Vietnam veterans from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2003 were confirmed from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database. The age-adjusted incidence and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using the male population during 1992 to 2003 as a standard population.
Results The age-adjusted overall cancer incidence per 100 000 person-years was 455.3 in Vietnam veterans. The overall cancer incidence was slightly yet significantly lower in veterans (SIR, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 0.99) than in the general population. The overall cancer incidence in enlisted soldiers was not lower (SIR, 1.00), whereas that in officers was significantly lower (SIR, 0.87) than in the general population. The incidences of prostate cancer and T-cell lymphoma in all veterans, and lung cancer and bladder cancer in enlisted soldiers, and colon cancer and kidney cancer in non-commissioned officers, and colon cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer in officers, were higher than in the general population. The SIR for overall cancer among Vietnam veterans rose from 0.92 for 1992-1997 to 0.99 for 1998-2003.
Conclusions The overall cancer incidence in Vietnam veterans was not higher than in the general male population. Vietnam veterans and military rank subcohorts experienced a higher incidence of several cancers, including prostate cancer, T-cell lymphoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and colon cancer than the general population. The SIR for overall cancer increased over time in Vietnam veterans.
-
Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Lung Cancer Diagnoses and Outcomes During the Syrian War, 2011-2018
Ibrahem Hanafi, Dana Abo Samra, Rama Alsaqqa, Ahmad Naeem, Baraa Shebli, Ghassan Ajlyakin
JAMA Network Open.2024; 7(3): e242091. CrossRef - Military environmental exposures and risk of breast cancer in active-duty personnel and veterans: a scoping review
Dylan J. Jester, Mehret T. Assefa, Daya K. Grewal, Abou M. Ibrahim-Biangoro, Jennifer S. Jennings, Maheen M. Adamson
Frontiers in Oncology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Older veterans associated with reduced risk of cancer: Retrospective nationwide matched cohort study in Taiwan
Li-Fei Pan, Renin Chang, Chung Y. Hsu, Kuan-Hao Tsui
Frontiers in Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Cancer risk in Vietnam war veterans from the Korean Vietnam war veterans’ health study cohort
Wanhyung Lee, Soyoung Park, Seong-Kyu Kang, Seunghon Ham, Jin-Ha Yoon, Won-Jun Choi
Frontiers in Oncology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - A systematic review and meta-analysis of occupational exposures and risk of follicular lymphoma
Michael K. Odutola, Geza Benke, Lin Fritschi, Graham G. Giles, Marina T. van Leeuwen, Claire M. Vajdic
Environmental Research.2021; 197: 110887. CrossRef - Association between pesticide exposure and colorectal cancer risk and incidence: A systematic review
Eryn K. Matich, Jonathan A. Laryea, Kathryn A. Seely, Shelbie Stahr, L. Joseph Su, Ping-Ching Hsu
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.2021; 219: 112327. CrossRef - Pesticides as risk factors for head and neck cancer: A review
Veruska Lima Moura Brasil, Mariana Bitu Ramos Pinto, Roberta Ferreti Bonan, Luiz Paulo Kowalski, Danyel Elias da Cruz Perez
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine.2018; 47(7): 641. CrossRef - Increased exposure to pesticides and colon cancer: Early evidence in Brazil
Francis L. Martin, Edson Z. Martinez, Helga Stopper, Sergio Britto Garcia, Sergio Akira Uyemura, Vinicius Kannen
Chemosphere.2018; 209: 623. CrossRef - Cancer Incidence of Korean Veterans
Un Je Park, So Hee Park
Journal of Health Informatics and Statistics.2018; 43(2): 119. CrossRef - A critical discussion on diet, genomic mutations and repair mechanisms in colon carcinogenesis
Juliana Yumi Sakita, Bianca Gasparotto, Sergio Britto Garcia, Sergio Akira Uyemura, Vinicius Kannen
Toxicology Letters.2017; 265: 106. CrossRef - Inhibitory effect of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on ROS, autophagy formation, and mRNA replication for influenza virus infection
Gansukh Enkhtaivan, Pandurangan Muthuraman, Doo Hwan Kim
Journal of Molecular Recognition.2017;[Epub] CrossRef - A review of Agent Orange and its associated oncologic risk of genitourinary cancers
Chrystal Chang, Michael Benson, Mina M. Fam
Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations.2017; 35(11): 633. CrossRef - A Perspective Discussion on Rising Pesticide Levels and Colon Cancer Burden in Brazil
Sergio Akira Uyemura, Helga Stopper, Francis L. Martin, Vinicius Kannen
Frontiers in Public Health.2017;[Epub] CrossRef - Prostate cancer in firefighting and police work: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies
Jeavana Sritharan, Manisha Pahwa, Paul A. Demers, Shelley A. Harris, Donald C. Cole, Marie-Elise Parent
Environmental Health.2017;[Epub] CrossRef - Authors' response to: ME Ginevan et al. Exposure estimates in epidemiological studies of Korean veterans of the Vietnam War
S.-W. Yi, S.-Y. Ryu
International Journal of Epidemiology.2015; 44(1): 359. CrossRef - A critical review of the epidemiology of Agent Orange or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and lymphoid malignancies
Ellen T. Chang, Paolo Boffetta, Hans-Olov Adami, Jack S. Mandel
Annals of Epidemiology.2015; 25(4): 275. CrossRef - Prospective Analysis of Health and Mortality Risk in Veteran and Non-Veteran Participants in the Women's Health Initiative
Julie C. Weitlauf, Andrea Z. LaCroix, Chloe E. Bird, Nancy F. Woods, Donna L. Washington, Jodie G. Katon, Michael J. LaMonte, Mary K. Goldstein, Shari S. Bassuk, Gloria E. Sarto, Marcia L. Stefanick
Women's Health Issues.2015; 25(6): 649. CrossRef - A critical review of the epidemiology of Agent Orange/TCDD and prostate cancer
Ellen T. Chang, Paolo Boffetta, Hans-Olov Adami, Philip Cole, Jack S. Mandel
European Journal of Epidemiology.2014; 29(10): 667. CrossRef - Urinary Bladder Cancer in Dogs, a Naturally Occurring Model for Cancer Biology and Drug Development
D. W. Knapp, J. A. Ramos-Vara, G. E. Moore, D. Dhawan, P. L. Bonney, K. E. Young
ILAR Journal.2014; 55(1): 100. CrossRef - Challenges in investigating the association between Agent Orange and cancer: Site‐specific cancer risk and accuracy of exposure assessment
Thomas H. Sinks
Cancer.2014; 120(23): 3595. CrossRef - Agent Orange exposure and cancer incidence in Korean Vietnam veterans: A prospective cohort study
Sang‐Wook Yi, Heechoul Ohrr
Cancer.2014; 120(23): 3699. CrossRef
- Serum 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin Levels and Their Association With Age, Body Mass Index, Smoking, Military Record-based Variables, and Estimated Exposure to Agent Orange in Korean Vietnam Veterans
- Sang-Wook Yi, Heechoul Ohrr, Jong-Uk Won, Jae-Seok Song, Jae-Seok Hong
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2013;46(5):226-236. Published online September 30, 2013
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.5.226
- 10,977 View
- 87 Download
- 12 Crossref
-
Abstract
PDF
Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the levels of serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and evaluate their association with age, body mass index, smoking, military record-based variables, and estimated exposure to Agent Orange in Korean Vietnam veterans.
Methods Serum levels of TCDD were analyzed in 102 Vietnam veterans. Information on age, body mass index, and smoking status were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire. The perceived exposure was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire. Two proximity-based exposures were constructed by division/brigade level and battalion/company level unit information using the Stellman exposure opportunity index model.
Results The mean and median of serum TCDD levels was 1.2 parts per trillion (ppt) and 0.9 ppt, respectively. Only 2 Vietnam veterans had elevated levels of TCDD (>10 ppt). The levels of TCDD did not tend to increase with the likelihood of exposure to Agent Orange, as estimated from either proximity-based exposure or perceived self-reported exposure. The serum TCDD levels were not significantly different according to military unit, year of first deployment, duration of deployment, military rank, age, body mass index, and smoking status.
Conclusions The average serum TCDD levels in the Korean Vietnam veterans were lower than those reported for other occupationally or environmentally exposed groups and US Vietnam veterans, and their use as an objective marker of Agent Orange exposure may have some limitations. The unit of deployment, duration of deployment, year of first deployment, military rank, perceived self-reported exposure, and proximity-based exposure to Agent Orange were not associated with TCDD levels in Korean Vietnam veterans. Age, body mass index and smoking also were not associated with TCDD levels.
-
Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by- Determinants of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in the Italian population in the last decades
Anna Maria Ingelido, Vittorio Abate, Annalisa Abballe, Stefania Paola De Filippis, Elena Dellatte, Silvia De Luca, Fabiola Ferri, Anna Rita Fulgenzi, Nicola Iacovella, Anna Laura Iamiceli, Valentina Marra, Roberto Miniero, Silvia Valentini, Elena De Felip
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2023; 30(16): 47012. CrossRef - Serum dioxin concentrations in military workers at three dioxin-contaminated airbases in Vietnam
Phan Van Manh, Pham The Tai, Nguyen Minh Phuong, Muneko Nishijo, Do Minh Trung, Pham Ngoc Thao, Ho Anh Son, Tran Van Tuan, Nguyen Van Chuyen, Nguyen Van Long, Nguyen Van Khoi, Nguyen Tung Linh, Hoang Van Luong, Do Ba Quyet
Chemosphere.2021; 266: 129024. CrossRef - Risk for animal and human health related to the presence of dioxins and dioxin‐like PCBs in feed and food
Helle Katrine Knutsen, Jan Alexander, Lars Barregård, Margherita Bignami, Beat Brüschweiler, Sandra Ceccatelli, Bruce Cottrill, Michael Dinovi, Lutz Edler, Bettina Grasl‐Kraupp, Christer Hogstrand, Carlo Stefano Nebbia, Isabelle P Oswald, Annette Petersen
EFSA Journal.2018;[Epub] CrossRef - Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorodibenzofurans, and polychlorobiphenyls in women of reproductive age in Italy: A human biomonitoring study
Anna Maria Ingelido, Vittorio Abate, Annalisa Abballe, Fulvia Lucia Albano, Tatiana Battista, Valter Carraro, Michele Conversano, Rosa Corvetti, Silvia De Luca, Silva Franchini, Anna Rita Fulgenzi, Laura Giambanco, Nicola Iacovella, Anna Laura Iamiceli, A
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.2017; 220(2): 378. CrossRef - High Prevalence of Agent Orange Exposure Among Thyroid Cancer Patients in the National Va Healthcare System
Karen T. Le, Mark P. Sawicki, Marilene B. Wang, Jerome M. Hershman, Angela M. Leung
Endocrine Practice.2016; 22(6): 699. CrossRef - Herbicide Exposure, Vietnam Service, and Hypertension Risk in Army Chemical Corps Veterans
Yasmin S. Cypel, Amii M. Kress, Stephanie M. Eber, Aaron I. Schneiderman, Victoria J. Davey
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2016; 58(11): 1127. CrossRef - Authors' response to: ME Ginevan et al. Exposure estimates in epidemiological studies of Korean veterans of the Vietnam War
S.-W. Yi, S.-Y. Ryu
International Journal of Epidemiology.2015; 44(1): 359. CrossRef - A critical review of the epidemiology of Agent Orange or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and lymphoid malignancies
Ellen T. Chang, Paolo Boffetta, Hans-Olov Adami, Jack S. Mandel
Annals of Epidemiology.2015; 25(4): 275. CrossRef - A critical review of the epidemiology of Agent Orange/TCDD and prostate cancer
Ellen T. Chang, Paolo Boffetta, Hans-Olov Adami, Philip Cole, Jack S. Mandel
European Journal of Epidemiology.2014; 29(10): 667. CrossRef - Challenges in investigating the association between Agent Orange and cancer: Site‐specific cancer risk and accuracy of exposure assessment
Thomas H. Sinks
Cancer.2014; 120(23): 3595. CrossRef - Agent Orange exposure and cancer incidence in Korean Vietnam veterans: A prospective cohort study
Sang‐Wook Yi, Heechoul Ohrr
Cancer.2014; 120(23): 3699. CrossRef - Agent Orange exposure and risk of death in Korean Vietnam veterans: Korean Veterans Health Study
Sang-Wook Yi, So-Yeon Ryu, Heechoul Ohrr, Jae-Seok Hong
International Journal of Epidemiology.2014; 43(6): 1825. CrossRef
- Agent Orange Exposure and Prevalence of Self-reported Diseases in Korean Vietnam Veterans
- Sang-Wook Yi, Heechoul Ohrr, Jae-Seok Hong, Jee-Jeon Yi
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2013;46(5):213-225. Published online September 30, 2013
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.5.213
- 11,973 View
- 150 Download
- 32 Crossref
-
Abstract
PDF
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Agent Orange exposure and self-reported diseases in Korean Vietnam veterans.
Methods A postal survey of 114 562 Vietnam veterans was conducted. The perceived exposure to Agent Orange was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire. Two proximity-based Agent Orange exposure indices were constructed using division/brigade-level and battalion/company-level unit information. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for age and other confounders were calculated using a logistic regression model.
Results The prevalence of all self-reported diseases showed monotonically increasing trends as the levels of perceived self-reported exposure increased. The ORs for colon cancer (OR, 1.13), leukemia (OR, 1.56), hypertension (OR, 1.03), peripheral vasculopathy (OR, 1.07), enterocolitis (OR, 1.07), peripheral neuropathy (OR, 1.07), multiple nerve palsy (OR, 1.14), multiple sclerosis (OR, 1.24), skin diseases (OR, 1.05), psychotic diseases (OR, 1.07) and lipidemia (OR, 1.05) were significantly elevated for the high exposure group in the division/brigade-level proximity-based exposure analysis, compared to the low exposure group. The ORs for cerebral infarction (OR, 1.08), chronic bronchitis (OR, 1.05), multiple nerve palsy (OR, 1.07), multiple sclerosis (OR, 1.16), skin diseases (OR, 1.05), and lipidemia (OR, 1.05) were significantly elevated for the high exposure group in the battalion/company-level analysis.
Conclusions Korean Vietnam veterans with high exposure to Agent Orange experienced a higher prevalence of several self-reported chronic diseases compared to those with low exposure by proximity-based exposure assessment. The strong positive associations between perceived self-reported exposure and all self-reported diseases should be evaluated with discretion because the likelihood of reporting diseases was directly related to the perceived intensity of Agent Orange exposure.
-
Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by- Agent Orange Herbicidal Toxin-Initiation of Alzheimer-Type Neurodegeneration
Suzanne M. de la Monte, Ming Tong
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.2024; 97(4): 1703. CrossRef - Embitterment in Vietnam War Veterans Predicted by Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Seung-Hoon Lee, Changsu Han, Junhyung Kim, Hyun-Ghang Jeong, Moon-Soo Lee, Jin Hee Choi, Hayun Choi
Psychiatry Investigation.2024; 21(2): 191. CrossRef - Pesticide exposure and risk of cholangiocarcinoma: A hospital‐based matched case–control study
Ake Pugkhem, Supot Kamsa‐ard, Siriporn Kamsa‐ard, Vor Luvira, Varisara Luvira, Vajarabhongsa Bhudhisawasdi
Tropical Medicine & International Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Exposition aux pesticides et maladies respiratoires chroniques
N. Jestin-Guyon, C. Raherison-Semjen
Revue des Maladies Respiratoires.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Cancer risk in Vietnam war veterans from the Korean Vietnam war veterans’ health study cohort
Wanhyung Lee, Soyoung Park, Seong-Kyu Kang, Seunghon Ham, Jin-Ha Yoon, Won-Jun Choi
Frontiers in Oncology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Agent Orange Causes Metabolic Dysfunction and Molecular Pathology Reminiscent of Alzheimer’s Disease
Suzanne M. de la Monte, Anuva Goel, Ming Tong, Busra Delikkaya
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports.2023; 7(1): 751. CrossRef - Pesticide exposure and risk of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review
Adriana M. Zago, Neice M. X. Faria, Juliana L. Fávero, Rodrigo D. Meucci, Susan Woskie, Anaclaudia G. Fassa
Global Public Health.2022; 17(12): 3944. CrossRef - Digestive tract toxicity associated with exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in rats
V.C.B.S. Mariotti, I.Z.F. Naufal, I.A.R. Amorim, J.L.S. Parizi, G.A. Nai
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research.2022;[Epub] CrossRef - Military service and related risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Kyla A. McKay, Kelsi A. Smith, Lidija Smertinaite, Fang Fang, Caroline Ingre, Fabian Taube
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica.2021; 143(1): 39. CrossRef - Epidemics and outbreaks of peripheral nervous system disorders: II. Toxic and nutritional causes
Stéphane Mathis, Antoine Soulages, Jean-Michel Vallat, Gwendal Le Masson
Journal of Neurology.2021; 268(3): 892. CrossRef - Association between pesticide exposure and colorectal cancer risk and incidence: A systematic review
Eryn K. Matich, Jonathan A. Laryea, Kathryn A. Seely, Shelbie Stahr, L. Joseph Su, Ping-Ching Hsu
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.2021; 219: 112327. CrossRef - Pesticides applied to crops and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk in the U.S
Angeline Andrew, Jie Zhou, Jiang Gui, Antoinette Harrison, Xun Shi, Meifang Li, Bart Guetti, Ramaa Nathan, Maeve Tischbein, Erik P. Pioro, Elijah Stommel, Walter Bradley
NeuroToxicology.2021; 87: 128. CrossRef - Longitudinal Study of Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand
Pornpimol Kongtip, Noppanun Nankongnab, Nichcha Kallayanatham, Ritthirong Pundee, Jutharak Yimsabai, Susan Woskie
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(11): 4178. CrossRef - Environmental Risk Factors for Liver Cancer and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Trang VoPham
Current Epidemiology Reports.2019; 6(1): 50. CrossRef - Precision Medicine for CRC Patients in the Veteran Population: State-of-the-Art, Challenges and Research Directions
Shyam S. Mohapatra, Surinder K. Batra, Srinivas Bharadwaj, Michael Bouvet, Bard Cosman, Ajay Goel, Wilma Jogunoori, Michael J. Kelley, Lopa Mishra, Bibhuti Mishra, Subhra Mohapatra, Bhaumik Patel, Joseph R. Pisegna, Jean-Pierre Raufman, Shuyun Rao, Hemant
Digestive Diseases and Sciences.2018; 63(5): 1123. CrossRef - Neuromodulatory Burst Therapy for Agent Orange–Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report
Roxanna Rasekhi, Danielle Babb, Chane Price
A&A Practice.2018; 10(7): 165. CrossRef - A review of Agent Orange and its associated oncologic risk of genitourinary cancers
Chrystal Chang, Michael Benson, Mina M. Fam
Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations.2017; 35(11): 633. CrossRef - Conséquences cutanées des modifications environnementales
Gérard Lorette, Annabel Maruani
La Presse Médicale.2016; 45(1): 98. CrossRef - Military service, deployments, and exposures in relation to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis etiology
John D. Beard, Lawrence S. Engel, David B. Richardson, Marilie D. Gammon, Coleen Baird, David M. Umbach, Kelli D. Allen, Catherine L. Stanwyck, Jean Keller, Dale P. Sandler, Silke Schmidt, Freya Kamel
Environment International.2016; 91: 104. CrossRef - Body Mass Index and Cancer Mortality Among Korean Older Middle-Aged Men
Jae-Seok Hong, Sang-Wook Yi, Jee-Jeon Yi, Seri Hong, Heechoul Ohrr
Medicine.2016; 95(21): e3684. CrossRef - High Prevalence of Agent Orange Exposure Among Thyroid Cancer Patients in the National Va Healthcare System
Karen T. Le, Mark P. Sawicki, Marilene B. Wang, Jerome M. Hershman, Angela M. Leung
Endocrine Practice.2016; 22(6): 699. CrossRef - Impact of alcohol consumption and body mass index on mortality from nonneoplastic liver diseases, upper aerodigestive tract cancers, and alcohol use disorders in Korean older middle-aged men
Sang-Wook Yi, Jae-Seok Hong, Jee-Jeon Yi, Heechoul Ohrr
Medicine.2016; 95(39): e4876. CrossRef - Herbicide Exposure, Vietnam Service, and Hypertension Risk in Army Chemical Corps Veterans
Yasmin S. Cypel, Amii M. Kress, Stephanie M. Eber, Aaron I. Schneiderman, Victoria J. Davey
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2016; 58(11): 1127. CrossRef - The mystery of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): Why is it absent in Asians and what does this tell us about etiology, pathogenesis and biology?
Shen-Miao Yang, Jian-Yong Li, Robert Peter Gale, Xiao-Jun Huang
Blood Reviews.2015; 29(3): 205. CrossRef - Authors' response to: ME Ginevan et al. Exposure estimates in epidemiological studies of Korean veterans of the Vietnam War
S.-W. Yi, S.-Y. Ryu
International Journal of Epidemiology.2015; 44(1): 359. CrossRef - Association of persistent organic pollutants and non-persistent pesticides with diabetes and diabetes-related health outcomes in Asia: A systematic review
Lindsay M. Jaacks, Lisa R. Staimez
Environment International.2015; 76: 57. CrossRef - A critical review of the epidemiology of Agent Orange or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and lymphoid malignancies
Ellen T. Chang, Paolo Boffetta, Hans-Olov Adami, Jack S. Mandel
Annals of Epidemiology.2015; 25(4): 275. CrossRef - Low Systolic Blood Pressure and Mortality From All Causes and Vascular Diseases Among Older Middle-aged Men: Korean Veterans Health Study
Sang-Wook Yi, Heechoul Ohrr
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2015; 48(2): 105. CrossRef - Agent Orange exposure and disease prevalence in Korean Vietnam veterans: The Korean veterans health study
Sang-Wook Yi, Jae-Seok Hong, Heechoul Ohrr, Jee-Jeon Yi
Environmental Research.2014; 133: 56. CrossRef - A critical review of the epidemiology of Agent Orange/TCDD and prostate cancer
Ellen T. Chang, Paolo Boffetta, Hans-Olov Adami, Philip Cole, Jack S. Mandel
European Journal of Epidemiology.2014; 29(10): 667. CrossRef - Agent Orange exposure and cancer incidence in Korean Vietnam veterans: A prospective cohort study
Sang‐Wook Yi, Heechoul Ohrr
Cancer.2014; 120(23): 3699. CrossRef - Agent Orange exposure and risk of death in Korean Vietnam veterans: Korean Veterans Health Study
Sang-Wook Yi, So-Yeon Ryu, Heechoul Ohrr, Jae-Seok Hong
International Journal of Epidemiology.2014; 43(6): 1825. CrossRef
- Pilot Study on Recruiting Medical Checkup Participants by Mail Survey among Korean Vietnam Veterans.
- Sang Wook Yi, Jae Seok Hong, Heechoul Ohrr
- Korean J Prev Med. 2003;36(2):171-178.
- 2,025 View
- 21 Download
-
Abstract
PDF
- OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify the validity of recruiting medical checkup participants of Vietnam veterans using a mail survey, and to identify the 'Vietnam service related characteristics' and `general characteristics' of Vietnam veterans groups. METHOD: In this study, a total 900 veterans were randomly selected from the list of Vietnam veterans from 1964 to 1973. The veterans were classified into 5 groups, taking into consideration their registered status in the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; the VRD (veterans who have agent orange-related diseases), VSD (veterans who have agent orange-suspected disease), VM (veterans who performed meritorious deeds during the war), VR (veterans who were registered with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affair) and OV (other veterans) groups. By means of postal surveys, the veterans' intention to participate in the medical checkup for our research, and their socioeconomic and general characteristics were investigated. 52 surveys were returned due to the subjects not residing at the listed address, and were excluded from the analysis. RESULT: 699 of the 848 veterans (82.4%) responded to the survey, of which 619 (88.6%) intended to participate in the medical checkup for our research. The 5 veterans groups all had similar ages, Vietnam service period, Agent Orange exposure, troop characteristic and wartime class, with the exception of VM, who were older, and with a greater number of officers than the other 4 groups. There was a big difference in the health statius among the Vietnam veterans group. The VM and OV were much healthier than VRD, VSD and VR groups. The socioeconomic stati of the VRD, VSD and VR groups were lower than those of the VM and OV groups. CONCLUSION: Although there were some limitations, the recruitment, by mail, of medical checkup participants from Vietnam veterans is a valid and feasible method. The VM and OV groups were much healthier, and with higher socioeconomic stati, than the VRD, VSD, and VR groups. -
SummaryValidation Studies
- A Proposal of Study Designs and Methods for Evaluating the Adverse Health Effects of Agent Orange among Korean Vietnam Veterans.
- Sang Wook Yi, Jong Uk Won, Jae Seok Hong, Heechoul Ohrr
- Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(3):228-236.
- 1,938 View
- 20 Download
-
Abstract
PDF
- OBJECTIVES
To propose a feasible, valid and appropriate study designs and epidemiologic methods for evaluating the adverse health effects of Agent Orange-chemical defoliants used in Vietnam- in Korea. METHODS: A literature study was performed on Agent Orange, herbicides, pesticides and dioxins. The study subjects, study design, exposure assessment and health outcomes assessment were examined in each study. The potential data sources for the study subjects, study design, exposure assessment and health outcomes assessment in Korea were investigated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In earlier Korean studies, research subjects for studying the effects of Agent Orange were identified from the patients or persons who claimed to have Agent Orange-related diseases due to the difficulties in identifying the entire population of Vietnam veterans in Korea. In this study, an attempt was made to identify the total number of Vietnam veterans in Korea. As a result, the addresses of 20,000 Vietnam veterans were obtained. It is proposed that a retrospective cohort design on a sample of the total number of Vietnam veterans is a feasible and appropriate study design. Self report questionnaires and military records were proposed to assess the exposure level. It is believed that measuring the plasma or tissue TCDD should be used only for a validation study assessing the level of exposure. For the health outcomes assessment, it is possible to obtain the mortality, cancer frequency, physical examination, screening and medical insurance record data. -
SummaryOriginal Articles
- A Study on the Correlation between Categorization of the Individual Exposure Levels to Agent Orange and Serum Dioxin Levels Among the Korean Vietnam Veterans.
- Joung Soon Kim, Han K Kang, Hyun Sul Lim, Hae Kwan Cheong, Min Kyung Lim
- Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(1):80-88.
- 2,174 View
- 28 Download
-
Abstract
PDF
- OBJECTIVES
In an epidemiologic study on the health impact of Agent Orange exposure, the valid estimation of exposure level is the most important step. Based on recent studies, we examined the correlation between exposure levels categorized by personal exposure estimates and serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD, Dioxin), exploring the possibility of utilizing the exposure level as a surrogate for the estimate of exposure to agent orange. METHODS: During the study period (Jan 1996-Feb 1996), blood specimens of 745 subjects taken randomly among 1,329 persons and kept frozen, were analyzed for 2,3,7,8-TCDD and six other dioxin congeners. The serum dioxin and congeners were measured in 1998 by CDC ,adjusted for serum lipids. We categorized the total exposure scores into five groups based on Agent Orange exposure data collected by interview and military records. Pearson and Spearman's correlation coefficients & multiple regression analysis were used to identify the relationship of the exposure level categorized with serum concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, and six other dioxin congeners. RESULTS: Dioxin and the other congeners, except 1,2,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, showed significant correlations to exposure categories (p<0.005); 2,3,7,8-TCDD and OCDD showed positive correlations, whereas the other congeners did negative. The values of 2,3,7,8-TCDD differed according to exposure category and proportionally increased from the low exposure group to the high, a dose-response relationship, even after other possible confounding variables were adjusted for. In multiple regression analysis, age(beta=0.033), dioxin(beta=0.433), 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD(beta=0.998), 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD(beta=0.773), 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD(beta=0.255), 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD(beta=3.468), 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD(beta=0.109) were found to be significantly related to the total exposure score(p<0.005). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the use of such categorizations as a surrogate measure of agent orange exposure in identifying exposure degrees in a health impact study is valid. -
Summary
- A Study on the Health Status of Korean Vietnam Veterans' Children: A Result of Questionnaire Survey on Vietnam Veterans of Pusan Area Who Diagnosed as Cases by Korean Veteran's Hospital Diagnostic Criteria.
- Jin Ho Chun, Hak Joon Kim, Hae Sook Sohn, Sang Hwa Urm, Soo Kyung Park, Byung Chul Yu, Jong Tae Lee
- Korean J Prev Med. 2000;33(1):17-24.
- 2,135 View
- 22 Download
-
Abstract
PDF
- OBJECTIVES
To propose the referential data to evaluate the health impacts of Vietnam veterans' children whose father were exposed to herbicides in Vietnam War. METHODS: Vietnam veterans who visited to Pusan Veteran Hospital for medical care were recruited from April to October, 1998. They were 71 and asked about their own combat history, symptoms and illness, and health status of their 182 children. The informations were collected by direct and phone interview. Exposure estimation was also performed as exposure score depending on year and unit of participation, and personal episodes related to exposure to herbicide in the war. It classified into three groups; lower(<18.0), moderate(18-53), high(> or =53) exposure group. RESULTS: The mean age and the period into the combat of the veterans were 52.8 years and 15.0 months. The mean exposure score was 18.1+/-9.9, and mainly distributed in lower (46.5%) and moderate(52.1%) exposure group. Most(90.1%) of them were diagnosed as sequelae(21 cases) and suspected sequelae(43 cases) of the herbicides by Korean veteran's hospital diagnostic criteria. The major sequelae was peripheral neuropathy 13 cases, chloracne 5 cases, and the major suspected sequelae was hypertension 20 cases, diabetes mellitus 18 cases, liver disease 12 cases, central neuropathy 11 cases, etc. About birth, 42.2% and 16.9% experienced spontaneous abortion and stillbirth, respectively. The mean exposure score was higher in stillbirth experience group(p<0.05). About half of the children(90 cases, 49.5%) hold the abnormal health status: those were skin pigmentation 38 cases, rash 23 cases, congenital anomaly 15 cases, general weakness 12 cases, purpura 8 cases, visual disturbance 8 cases, etc. These health problems had no association with father's exposure level(p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results were depend on their own answers, and expectation for compensation did not excluded, therefore, this study may have limitations: inaccuracy of informations due to recall bias and response bias. Nevertheless, through this study, we could image the fundamental aspect for health impacts of Vietnam veterans' children for preparing the national control program and policy. A large scale epidemiologic study with valid exposure assessment on the health impacts of Vietnam veterans' children is recommneded. -
Summary
- A Preliminary Epidemiologic Study on Korean Veterans Exposed to Herbicides in Vietnam War.
- Joung Soon Kim, Hyun Sul Lee, Hong Bok Lee, Won Young Lee, Young Joo Park, Sung Soo Kim
- Korean J Prev Med. 1994;27(4):711-734.
- 1,986 View
- 25 Download
-
Abstract
PDF
- Among chemical agents in herbicides, dioxin(2,3,7,8-tetrachloro dibenzo-rho-dioxin: a chemical contaminant in herbicides sprayed during the vietnam war has been known to be the major agent causing toxic effects. Approximately 320,000 korean soldiers participated the vietnam war from 1964 to 1974. Although the potential hazards of the herbicides among Korean veterans exposed were implicated, the problem had not been a public issue until 1991 when Korean veterans were informed U. S. companies, the herbicides manufacturer payed fund, from which a trust fund for New Zealand and Australian Class members were established in 1985. After a series of appeals and demonstration by the korean veterans demanding medical care and compensation for their serious health damages, a bill of medical care and compensation for herbicides victims was promulgated in March 1993 and become effective from May 1993. This study was carried out with two major objectives: the first to understand the health problems caused from the herbicides by reviewing literatures published, and the second to examine the nature and extent of health impacts among Korean veterans exposed and to develop valid study methods for the major study by interviewing and reviewing records on a part of veterans (638 persons) registered and completed medical examination in Seoul Veterans Administration Hospital from June to october 1993. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The literature review of 107 papers revealed that: l) Dioxin is teratogenic, carcinogenic and affects almost all organs including nertous, endocrine, and reproductive systems in animal experiments. 2) The diseases showing evidence of causal association were Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's disease, lung cancer, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, chloroacne and polyneuropathy when judged on the basis of consistency in study results and biological plausibility. 2. Interview and medical record review study on 638 veterans, though limited validity owing to lack of control group, crude estimates of dioxin exposure levels (no biomarkers measurable), and uncertainty of diagnosis, showed that: 1) Most of the study subject's were in their 40's of age and had been dispatched to vietnam during the period from 1965-1970 around one year. 2) Most frequently complained symptoms in medical examination were motor weakness(32%), sensory abnormalities in extremities(23%), skin diseases(22%), and pain in extremities(20%) whereas in interview they were more frequent in order of skin problem(44%), motor weakness (38%), sensory abnormalities and pain in extremities(l7% and 19% each). Kappa indices on the same category of complaints between two sources of information were variable and relatively low. 3) On medical examination, only a part of the 638 subjects had initial impression (442 pts) and final diagnosis (218 pts) suggesting decision making on diagnosis appeared to be difficult even with all available modern medical technologies; in initial impression disorders from peripheral and central neuropathy were predominant whereas in final diagnosis various types of skin disorder were most frequent. 4) when dose-response relationship between several conditions (from questionnaire) and arbitrary exposure scores were examined by CMH linear trend test, spontaneous abortion, sexual problems and health problem of offsprings showed statistically significant linear trends. However, pregnancy, accident and suicidal attempts did not show any relationship in this study capacity. 5) Among complaints, psychosis and neurosis(anxiety, phobia) in interview study, and memory disorder and psychosis in medical record study revealed linear trend. 6) Skin disorder was the only condition showing linear trend in initial impression and none in final diagnosis on medical examination. Even though objective to select out dioxin-related disease or group of diseases from this study was not achieved the research experiences provided firm basis for developing various methodological approaches. 3. From this preliminary study we concluded that a larger scale major epidemiologic study on health impacts of herbicides among Korean veterans exposed is not only indispensible but also well designed study with more valid exposure information and diagnosis may be able to establish causal relationship between certain groups of diseases and exposure to the herbicides among Korean veterans.
-
Summary
First
Prev
