Assessment of Diverse Biological Indicators in Gulf War Illness: Are They Replicable Are They Related Addendum
Abstract
The complex of multiple symptoms known as Gulf War Illness (GWI) continues to affect a substantial number of veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Despite considerable research, the biological processes underlying veterans' symptoms have not been clearly elucidated. To develop useful diagnostic tests and effective GWI treatments, it is imperative to establish a more definitive and integrated understanding of GWI pathophysiology. This study utilizes a case-control design to evaluate diverse biological measures in a single, well-characterized sample of Gulf War veterans. Veterans with GWI are compared to healthy Gulf War veteran controls in a protocol that includes neuroimaging (MRI, fMRI, DTI), adrenal function tests, diverse immune, inflammatory, and coagulation measures, as well as physical and neuropsychological evaluations. Statistical analyses determine which objective measures significantly distinguish GWI cases from controls, and explore the extent to which biological findings are interrelated and are associated with identifiable veteran subgroups. Study progress has been limited during this period, owing to institutional, administrative and staffing challenges after the award was transferred to the PI's current institution. While study meetings and veterans' outreach activities have been initiated and regulatory requirements have been maintained, the project will not enroll its first subject until 2019. Therefore preliminary study results are not yet available.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1087075
Entities
People
- Lea Steele
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine