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Chronic Diseases and Natural Hazards: Impact of Disasters on Diabetic, Renal, and Cardiac Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Andrew C. Miller  and
Bonnie Arquilla
Andrew C. Miller*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, The State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA Department of Internal Medicine, The State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA The New York Institute of Hazard Preparedness, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Bonnie Arquilla
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, The State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA Director of Disaster Preparedness and the Disaster Medicine Fellowship, The State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA The New York Institute of Hazard Preparedness, Brooklyn, New York, USA
*
Department of Emergency Medicine 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 1228 Brooklyn, New York 11203 USA E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Inadequately controlled chronic diseases may present a threat to life and well-being during the emergency response phase of disasters. Chronic disease exacerbations (CDE) account for one of the largest patient populations during disasters, and patients are at increased risk for adverse outcomes.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the burden of chronic renal failure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease during disasters due to natural hazards, identify impediments to care, and propose solutions to improve the disaster preparation and management of CDE.

Methods:

A thorough search of the PubMed, Ovid, and Medline databases was performed. Dr. Miller's personal international experiences treating CDE after disasters due to natural hazards, such as the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, are included.

Discussion:

Chronic disease exacerbations comprise a sizable disease burden during disasters related to natural hazards. Surveys estimate that 25–40% of those living in the regions affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita lived with at least one chronic disease. Chronic illness accounted for 33% of visits, peaking 10 days after hurricane landfall. The international nephrology community has responded to dialysis needs by forming a well-organized and effective organization called the Renal Disaster Relief Task Force (RDRTF). The response to the needs of diabetic and cardiac patients has been less vigorous.

Patients must be familiar with emergency diet and renal fluid restriction plans, possible modification of dialysis schedules and methods, and rescue treatments such as the administration of kayexalate. Facilities may consider investing in water-independent extracorporeal dialysis techniques as a rescue treatment. In addition to patient databases and medical alert identification, diabetics should maintain an emergency medical kit. Diabetic patients must be taught and practice the carbohydrate counting technique. In addition to improved planning, responding agencies and organizations must bring adequate supplies and medications to care for diabetic, cardiac, and renal patients during relief efforts.

Conclusions:

By recognizing and addressing impediments to the care of chronic disease exacerbations after natural disasters, the quality, delivery, and effectiveness of the care provided to diabetic patients during relief efforts can be improved.

Keywords

cardiacchronic diseasesdiabetesdisastersemergency responseRenal Disaster Relief Task Force
Type
Comprehensive Review
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 23 , Issue 2 , April 2008 , pp. 185 - 194
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2008

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