DOE OSTI · 1816290
Longitudinal changes in red blood cell distribution width decades after radiation exposure in atomic–bomb survivors
Abstract
Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), which generally increases with age, is a risk marker for morbidity and mortality in various diseases. We investigated the association between elevated RDW and prior radiation exposure by examining longitudinal RDW changes in 4204 atomic-bomb survivors over 15 years. A positive association was found between RDW and radiation dose, wherein RDW increased by 0·18%/Gy. This radiation-associated effect increased as the participants aged. Elevated RDW was also associated with higher all-cause mortality. The biological mechanisms underlying these observed associations merit further investigation.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Yoshida, Kengo, Misumi, Munechika, Kusunoki, Yoichiro, Yamada, Michiko. 2020-12-22. Longitudinal changes in red blood cell distribution width decades after radiation exposure in atomic–bomb survivors. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.17296
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.