INTRODUCTION

Depleted uranium (DU) injuries may become increasingly common in the future due to introduction of this highly penetrating, extremely dense, relatively inexpensive material to the battlefield. Injuries generally consist of penetration by small metal fragments that slowly release U into systemic circulation with potential target organ effects. If embedded fragments become encapsulated, capsule fluid with high uranium concentration may leak out with theoretical risk of uranium nephrotoxicity.

Histological and chemical evaluation of cases with documented exposure to DU fragments is needed in order to provide a better understanding of potential local tissue reactions induced by exposure to this metal. In addition, biological surveillance studies, including chemical analyses of urinary DU levels in soldiers with potential exposure to DU are also needed in order to determine exposure and to monitor potential health effects.

In response to these needs, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in collaboration with the DU Clinical Follow-Up Program at the VA-Baltimore Center and the US Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, has initiated a Registry on Depleted Uranium exposure. This Registry is aimed at the study of potential DU exposure cases by providing a central facility for the collection, validation and analysis of pathological and biological samples on DU exposed cases. The DU Registry offers services consisting with the archival of material and with the analysis of DU in urine and tissue specimens to determine potential exposure to this heavy metal.