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Electrical weapons, hematocytes, and ischemic cardiovascular accidents.
Mark W Kroll1, Klaus K Witte2, Sebastian N Kunz3
1University of Minnesota, Box 23, Crystal Bay, MN, 55323, USA.
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|July 14, 2020
Summary
Conducted electrical weapon (CEW) use did not show direct links to coagulation or thrombosis. A study found temporary, minor white blood cell and platelet changes in volunteers, well within normal ranges.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Emergency Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Case reports suggest conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) may impact coagulation or thrombosis.
- Investigating the link between CEW use and hematological changes is crucial for at-risk individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing case reports on CEW use and thromboembolic events.
- To prospectively study the effects of CEW exposure on hematocyte levels in human volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of adverse outcomes post-CEW discharge.
- Prospective study assessing hematocyte levels (WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets) in 29 volunteers before and after CEW exposure.
Main Results:
- Literature review identified 3 cases (stroke, myocardial infarction) with only temporal association to CEW use and stress.
- CEW exposure caused statistically significant, but clinically insignificant, acute increases in WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets.
- Hematocyte levels returned to baseline within 24 hours, except for a slight decrease in total WBC.
Conclusions:
- No direct association found between CEW discharge and ischemic or thrombotic events.
- CEW exposure did not induce hematocyte changes beyond expected variations in acute stress scenarios.
- Data do not support the hypothesis that CEW discharge promotes coagulation or thrombus formation.
