MEDICAL ASPECTS OF CS-137 DECORPORATION - THE GOIANIA RADIOLOGICAL ACCIDENT

In September 1987, the Goiania radiological accident involving a source of Cs-137 culminated in about 140 victims who presented internal and/or external contamination and/or external exposure to radiation and/or radiation burns. Internal contamination was verified through analysis of urine and fecal samples. Internal contamination was also evaluated by measurements performed at the whole-body counter installed in Goiania in November 1987. To enhance the decorporation of Cs-137, patients were treated with the following: 1) Prussian Blue, oral administration, in 46 patients; 2) diuretics, oral administration, in 17 patients; 3) induced perspiration, increasing Cs-137 elimination. These procedures were done under rigorous clinical evaluation and considering the data from assay of excreta and data obtained from the whole-body counter. The doses of Prussian Blue exceeded about 6.5 times the dose previously indicated in the literature. It was the first time diuretics were used in humans to treat Cs-137 internal contamination. The results of these procedures are discussed.