Gulf War Illness Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Gulf War Illness Trials?

In August 1990, Iraqi military forces invaded and occupied Kuwait. In response, 35 nation-states formed a coalition and commenced the 1991 Persian Gulf War to eject the Iraqi military from Kuwait.

The war was conducted between January 16, 1991, and February 28, 1991.

Estimates of Iraqi military casualties ranged from 8,000 to 50,000 deaths.

The casualties amongst the coalition forces were markedly different.

• United Kingdom military – 47.
• United States military – 147.

There were approximately 1,000 coalition troops who were injured.

After celebrating the low casualties, reports began to emerge of coalition troops experiencing chronic multisymptomatic illness (CMI), which included.

• Over 18% of veterans were diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders.
• Over 18% were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.
• More than 17% were diagnosed with "symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions" (fatigue, insomnia.)
• 31% were diagnosed with “pain in joint.”
• 19% were diagnosed with tension headaches.
• 17% were diagnosed with dysthymia.

Because no specific causation factors were identified, the condition was originally identified as Gulf War Syndrome and dismissed as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.) This was later changed to Gulf War Illness.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) convened a self-referral evaluation program in 1994. It was called the "Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program (CCEP)" for active-duty soldiers.

Initial studies concluded that symptoms of normal illnesses experienced by Gulf War veterans were no different from the general population.

This was confirmed in several large-scale studies, which showed that mortality rates amongst Gulf War veterans were in line with control groups.

Despite this, Gulf War veterans insisted that they felt “more ill” than non-Gulf War veterans. Later studies confirmed that Gulf War veterans might experience a higher frequency of hospitalizations due to the following.

• Bone and muscle injuries.
• Asthma.
• Digestive disorders.

Certain studies have focused on the fact that Iraqi chemical weapons were disposed of and that the Iraqi military blew up over 800 oil wells, causing the largest oil spill in history.

Causes of Gulf War Illness have been generally accepted as being caused by the following.

• Chemical warfare agents.
• Pyridostigmine bromide, which is used as a prophylactic treatment for soldiers who stand a greater chance of being exposed to chemical warfare agents.
• Psychological factors which included post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Smoke from the oil well fires started by the retreating Iraqis.
• Exposure to Pesticides.
• Increased exposure to quantities of depleted uranium.
• Exposure to solvents and corrosive liquids used during repair and maintenance.

Why Is Gulf War Illness Being Studied Through Clinical Disorders?

Approximately 1/3^rd of American Gulf War veterans suffered from chronic multisymptomatic illness (CMI), where the root cause cannot be identified. Between 175,000 to 250,000 surviving Gulf War veterans still report symptoms of Gulf War Illness.

Not only is it important to help the surviving veterans, but research is being undertaken to prevent a recurrence in future conflicts.

What Are The Types Of Treatments Available For Gulf War Illness?

There are no formal treatment protocols for gulf war illness, and interventions focus on symptomatic relief.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also used to provide sufferers with coping strategies.

Examples Of Current Gulf War Illness Trials

Three examples of current Gulf War Illness trials are listed below.

Testing The Efficacy Of Tele- Collaborative Specialty Care And E-Consultation

This study aims to establish the effectiveness of Tele-Collaborative Specialty Care compared to E-Consultations with Gulf War Veterans. The treatments will include the delivery of health coaching and problem-solving treatment and make recommendations to optimize monthly doses of analgesics (pain medication.)

Testing The Use Of The Dietary Supplement BacoMind®

The second phase trial will test the Dietary Supplement BacoMind® and its efficacy related to the nutraceutical intervention (which protects against bacterial and chemical-induced gastro toxicity).

During the trial, cognitive function will be assessed.

Pilot Test Of Apnea And Insomnia Relief In Gulf War Veterans

This is a randomized trial of behavioral sleep treatment and sufferers of Gulf War Illness which will be provided via telehealth (video to home) or telephone.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Gulf War Illness?

Clinical trials focusing on Gulf War Illness have been performed as follows.

2019: Chronic Medical Conditions Rates – In contradiction of earlier trials, the results showed that veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness have a substantially increased chance of suffering from the following chronic conditions.

• High Cholesterol
• The incidence of Heart Attacks increased
• A higher incidence of Diabetes
• An increased chance of a Stroke
• Increased Blood Pressure Levels
• More frequent Arthritis diagnosis
• Chronic Bronchitis

2017: Neuropsychological functioning in military pesticide applicators – This study was conducted to establish the impact on the cognitive functions of Veterans exposed to pesticides and pyridostigmine bromide (PB) pills. The study concluded that veterans subjected to high loads of pesticides and pyridostigmine bromide (PB) pills suffered from the following.

• Slower information processing.
• Compromised visual memory.
• An increase in mood complaints.

Who Are Some Of The Key Opinion Leaders / Researchers Conducting Gulf War Illness Clinical Trial Research?

Kimberly A. Sullivan, Ph.D. Research Associate Professor Boston University School of Public Health.

Dr. Janet Coller, Senior Lecturer at the School of Biomedicine in Adelaide