Longitudinal Investigation of Neurotrauma Serum Biomarkers, Behavioral Characterization, and Brain Imaging in Soldiers Following Repeated Low-Level Blast Exposure (New Zealand Breacher Study)
2018; Oxford University Press; Volume: 183; Issue: suppl_1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1093/milmed/usx186
ISSN1930-613X
AutoresGary H. Kamimori, Christina R. LaValle, Stephanie E. Eonta, Walter Carr, Charmaine Tate, Kevin Wang,
Tópico(s)Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation
Resumo"Breachers" (dynamic entry personnel) are routinely exposed to low-level blast overpressure during training and occupational duties. Data were collected from 22 military breachers (mean 29.7 yr) over a 5-yr period to characterize the longitudinal effects of repeated low-level blast overpressure exposure. None of the participants reported a diagnosed concussion during the study period. Blood-based biomarker concentrations (n = 22) showed either no significant change or a significant decrease over time. Neurocognitive performance (n = 20) and symptom reporting (n = 22) did not change over time. Neuroimaging analyses resulted in no significant differences for within-subject (baseline vs follow-up, n = 8) and between-subject (naïve, n = 5 vs experienced, n = 8) comparisons. Changes to training doctrine mid-study reduced blast exposure (< 4 psi) and may have mitigated any measurable effects associated with long-term, low-level blast exposure. The results suggest that the first 5 yr of a breaching career in healthy, young individuals is unlikely to result in measurable effects when overpressure exposure is maintained within the 4 psi safe limit. The lack of any significant changes in these operators suggests that either no identifiable injuries occurred and/or measurement tools may not be sensitive enough to identify any negative subconcussive effects.
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