The association of pre-war medical conditions to Gulf War Illness

Aims: Gulf War Illness (GWI) remains a significant health concern for many veterans. The relation of pre-war health conditions and symptoms to GWI could aid in developing a more accurate case definition of GWI. The objective of this study was to investigate pre-war predictors of GWI in a population-based sample of Gulf War veterans using two definitions of GWI. Main methods: Data come from the 1995-1997 National Health Survey of Persian Gulf War Era Veterans, a survey of a representative sample of deployed and non-deployed US veterans. Using two definitions of GWI (CDC/ Kansas and a newly developed 3-domain definition), we conducted a series of multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess the associations of demographic, lifestyle factors, and pre-war medical conditions and symptoms to subsequent GWI. Key findings: All pre-war symptom predictor domains were significantly and positively associated with GWI using a new 3-domain definition with aORs for individual domains ranging from 2.17 (95% CI = 1.99-2.38) for dermatologic conditions to 3.06 (95% CI = 2.78-3.37) for neurological conditions. All symptom predictor domains were associated with significantly increased likelihood of GWI using the CDC/Kansas definition, with aORs ranging from 2.54 (95% CI = 2.31-2.81) for inflammatory conditions to 3.22 (95% CI = 2.94-3.55) for neurological conditions. These estimates were attenuated but remained significant after inclusion of all significant symptom predictor domains. Significance: Results from this study suggest that demographic/lifestyle factors and pre-war medical conditions are strong predictors of GWI. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings, and to clarify the unique characteristics of this common, but still poorly understood illness.

Automated summary

The study found that demographic/lifestyle factors and pre-war medical conditions are strong predictors of GWI. All symptom predictor domains were significantly associated with GWI occurrence, indicating a need for further research to better understand this illness.