Patterns of Development of Clinical and Functional Disorders of the Bronchopulmonary System in the Post-Accident Period in Persons Exposed to Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

The objective of the study was to establish the relationship between functional status of bronchopulmonary system and obstructive sleep apnea in clean-up workers of Chornobyl NPP accident in a remote post-accident period. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 824 cases of COPD in male patients who underwent inpatient treatment in the radiation pulmonology department from 2014 to 2024 was conducted. The observation groups included 579 (70.3%) of urban residents (main group) and 245 (29.7%) of COPD patients (nosological control) who were irradiated within the natural background. For prospective observation, 100 COPD patients from urban residents and 30 COPD patients from the NC group were selected. A complex of clinical and functional tests was provided. Results. In clean-up workers of Chornobyl NPP accident with COPD The regularities of damage to the bronchopulmonary system under the influence of ionizing radiation should be considered a change in the minimal clinical symptoms of the early period, the rapid development of fibrotic changes in the lungs and bronchial mucosa, which is accompanied by a deepening of violations of functional pulmonary tests, structural and morphological changes according to the results of radiological research methods. Conclusions The analysis of various patterns and phenotypes of COPD requires further study in order to improve early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, in particular in people who have suffered as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. Key words: clean-up workers of Chornobyl NPP accident, pulmonary function tests.