Exposure Dose and ARS Prodrome - Symptom Severity and Prognosis

Exposure Dose (Gy) Prodrome Severity Manifest Illness - Symptom Severity Prognosis
Hematologic Gastrointestinal Neurologic
0.5 to 1.0 + + 0 0 Survival almost certain
1.0 to 2.0 +/++ + 0 0 Survival >90 percent
2.0 to 3.5 ++ ++ 0 0 Probable survival
3.5 to 5.5 +++ +++ + 0 Death in 50% at 3.5 to 6 wks
5.5 to 7.5 +++ +++ ++ 0 Death probable in 2-3 wks
7.5 to 10 +++ +++ +++ 0* Death probable in 1-2.5 wks
10 to 20 +++ +++ +++ +++ Death certain in 5-12 days
> 20 +++ +++ +++ +++** Death certain in 2-5 days
Abbreviations:
  • Gy: dose in gray;
  • 0: no effects;
  • +: mild;
  • ++: moderate;
  • +++: severe or marked
  • * Hypotension
  • ** Also cardiovascular collapse, fever, shock
  • Modified from: Waselenko, JK, MacVittie, TJ, Blakely, WF, et al. Medical management of the acute radiation syndrome: Recommendations of the strategic national stockpile radiation working group. Ann Int Med 2004; 140:1039.