Ethics code: IR.BMSU.BAQ.REC.1403.086
History
Received: 2025/05/17 | Accepted: 2025/07/3 | Published: 2025/04/21
How to cite this article
Jabbari S, Arabfard M, Ghazvini A, Vahedi E, Shahriary A, Ghanei M. An Integrated Diagnostic Framework for the Evaluation and Severity Stratification of Chronic Lung Injury in Chemical Exposure Victims. Iran J War Public Health 2025; 17 (2) :1001-1012
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http://ijwph.ir/article-1-1595-en.html
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Abstract (56 Views)
Introduction:Lung injuries caused by exposure to chemical agents such as mustard gas are one of the most significant long-term complications in chemical veterans. These injuries differ from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in etiology and require specific diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The aim of this study was to provide a framework for the diagnosis and assessment of the severity of chronic lung injuries in chemical casualties to assist physicians in clinical decision-making and better patient management.
Method: An applied and evidence-based study was conducted on 15 male who suffered from chronic lung injury caused by chemical agents. The Framework used included the CAT, CCQ, and CRQ questionnaires and the pulmonary function test (FEV1). To classify the severity of chronic lung injury, the majority Voting algorithm was used.
Results: The results showed a strong correlation between the questionnaire scores and the pulmonary function test results. A strong positive correlation (r=0.95) was observed between the CAT questionnaire results and the physician's clinical opinion, and a strong negative correlation (r= -0.93) was observed between CAT scores and the FEV1 ratio. There was also a strong positive correlation (r=0.72) between the CCQ questionnaire results and the physician's opinion, and a strong inverse correlation (r=-0.86) between CCQ scores and FEV1.
Conclusion: The framework presented in this study can be used as an effective tool for the rapid and accurate assessment of the severity of chronic lung injury in chemical casualties. This framework helps physicians design more appropriate treatment plans and manage medical resources more effectively.