Clinical Trial: Investigate Olfactory Functioning as a Possible Proxy for Neurotoxic Exposure in Cohorts of Deployed and Non-Deployed Gulf War-Era Veterans.

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Olfactory Functioning in Gulf War Veterans

Brief Summary: Significant subsets of military veterans have reported such health problems as headache, joint pain, fatigue, and memory/concentration difficulties subsequent to their participation in the Gulf War. However, the etiology remains controversial. A number of toxins have been implicated as etiologic factors for GW-related health problems; however, exposure levels have been difficult, if not impossible, to document retrospectively. These difficulties with exposure verification have led GW researchers to de-emphasize methods typical of neurotoxicological research examining exposure-symptom relationships and instead focus on epidemiological approaches emphasizing identification of coherent symptom patterns.

Detailed Summary:

Primary Objectives: 1) To investigate olfactory functioning as a possible proxy for neurotoxic exposure in cohorts of deployed and non-deployed Gulf War-era veterans; and, 2) To examine potential associations between olfactory functioning and neurocognitive performance on measures known to be sensitive to neurotoxic sequelae.

Secondary Objectives: To examine associations between olfactory functioning and stress-related psychopathology, namely posttraumatic stress disorder, in Gulf War (GW) veterans.

Primary Outcomes: The aim of this proposal is to investigate olfactory functioning in cohorts of deployed and non-deployed GW-era veterans. In searching for symptom patterns related to neurotoxic exposure, examination of deployment status and neurocognitive dysfunction in relation to a sensory measure (i.e., olfaction) sensitive to environmental toxins has the potential to contribute additional confirming or disconfirming evidence of GW exposures.

Intervention: N/A

Study Abstract: This study is funded by the Durham ERIC's Pilot Studies Initiative and is being conducted by researchers at the New Orleans, LA VAMC.

Significant subsets of military veterans have reported such health problems as headache, joint pain, fatigue, and memory/concentration difficulties subsequent to their participation in the Gulf War. However, the etiology remains controversial. A number of toxins have been implicated as etiologic factors for GW-related health problems; however, exposure levels have been difficult, if not impossible, to document retrospectively. These difficulties with exposure verification have led GW researchers to de-emphasize methods typical of neurotoxicological research examining expos
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

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Information By: VA Office of Research and Development

Dates:
Date Received: December 29, 2000
Date Started: March 2000
Date Completion: February 2001
Last Updated: January 20, 2009
Last Verified: February 2003