A study on the dose-effects relationship of underwater blast injury / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the dose-effects relationship of underwater blast injury. Methods Sixty-one adult mongrel dogs were exposed to underwater explosion of 200g, 500g, and 1 000g of TNT, respectively. The physical parameters of blast wave were recorded by PCB pressure transducers (USA). Survival or death was observed 6 hours after injury. Correspondingly, the relationship between the physical parameters and injury severity was analyzed. Results Twenty-three among 61 dogs died after injury, the mortality rate was 37.70% (23/61). The main reasons of death were severe lung bleeding, lung edema, perforation of gastrointestinal tract, and rupture of liver and spleen. Half lethal (5/10) impulse of underwater blast wave was 337.7?14.3kPa?ms. The impulses resulting in mild, moderate, severe, and critical underwater blast injuries were 140.46?34.2, 199.2?25.2, 247.8?69.6, and 478.7?183.8kPa?ms, respectively. Conclusion The physical parameters were well related to the injury severity in underwater blast. The early main treatment consist of active and effective management of severe lung injuries, perforation of gastrointestinal tract, and rupture of liver and spleen.