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Input from the RAC-GWVI and VA Gulf War Research Strategic Planning Group
Lea Steele, Ph.D. Institute of Biomedical Studies Baylor University June 26, 2013
Overview: After 22 years, the urgent need for an evidence-based, widely accepted case definition for Gulf War Illness
RAC-GWVI Literature Review and Findings re: GWI Case Definition
Overview:
Defining Gulf War Illness in 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans
Overview: Post War Illness in 1990-1991 Gulf War Veterans What is It? What is it Called?
Gulf War Syndrome, Undiagnosed Illness, Gulf War Veterans Illnesses, Chronic Multisymptom Illness, Gulf War Illness
In general terms, refer to the same thing: well-documented pattern of symptoms found at significantly elevated rates in 1990-91 Gulf War veterans Not explained by standard lab tests or by well-established medical or psych diagnoses; not explained by combat, war stressors Widespread problem in 1990-91 vets; longitudinal studies indicate few veterans have recovered or substantially improved in the 22 years since the war
Very limited research evidence in early years; in past decade--improved quality and focus of research Enhanced evidence base gives more cohesive picture re: GWI patterns of occurrence, etiology, pathobiology (CNS, ANS, immune/inflammatory, neuroendocrine) Parallel insights from animal models of persistent, delayed CNS and ANS effects of low-level GW neurotoxicants Growing number of treatment studies, research to identify biomarkers 2 multi-institutional GWI research consortia bring together many of most prominent GWI researchers; focus on detailed understanding of GWI pathophys, identifying specific treatment targets
GWI--umbrella term for complex of chronic symptoms associated with service in 1991 Gulf War
Consistent profile of symptoms in statistically-defined domains Currently can only define by symptoms; 2008 Report describes six different case definitions, 4 other approaches for defining cases Since 2008, limited additional research re: case definition, literature to be updated in 2013 RAC report
2008 Report describes six different case definitions, 4 other approaches for defining cases (e.g. Haley syndromes, Fukuda/CDC CMI case def, VA-factor analysis syndrome, Kansas GWI)
Reflect similar symptom domains, different methods used for quantifying and combining those symptoms Produce case defs ranging from very broad to very narrow Examined use of factor analysis in defining GWIinsights for establishing symptom domains, but factors are not syndromes; approach has been misleading in relation to unique syndrome debate
GWI prevalence differs with different case definitions and modifications used by different studies
Prevalence also assessed in nondeployed, era veterans
provides sense of specificity of case definition approach represents background level of symptomatic illness expected in absence of GW service
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Recently released VA Gulf War Research Strategic Plan: 2013 2017 Major undertaking: initiated in April 2011
Led by Dr. Max Buja: 10 working groups, >45 participants (included members of 3 different VA research advisory panels and VA researchers, administrators)
5.3: Establish an Evidence-Based Case Definition of Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Gulf War Veterans
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5.3: Establish an Evidence-Based Case Definition of Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Gulf War Veterans
Calls for establishment of case definition for CMI in Gulf War veterans, and guidelines for its use Specifies that case definition be evidence-based, and developed by consensus of experts
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5.3: Establish an Evidence-Based Case Definition of Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Gulf War Veterans
Specifies the need for a comprehensive analytic effort, using extensive amount of available data
Analytic assessment of existing case definitionsstrengths and weaknesses in relation to priorities of interest Assessment of different algorithms, strategies for optimizing case def
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5.3: Establish an Evidence-Based Case Definition of Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Gulf War Veterans
Identifies, describes major considertions in optimizing case definition
Specificity Sensitivity Reliability Portability Strategy for considering other medical/psych conditions to be exclusionary for CMI (vs. comorbid) Subgroup identification Use in clinical practice, and special considerations
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Discussion of Sensitivity, Specificity, Use of Exclusionary Conditions Evaluating Impact of Different Case Def Algorithms
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Kansas GWI: Moderately severe symptoms required in 3 of 6 symptom domains (prev: ~ 34% of GW veterans)
Haley: 3 syndromescomplex algorithm to determine symptom scores (combined prev: ~ 14 % of GW veterans) Kang/VA: 4 neurological symptoms (prev: ~2% of GW veterans)
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How Many Veterans Affected? Multisymptom illness affects excess of 25-32% of Gulf War Veterans
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GWI Target
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Kansas study (1998-1999): Survey, symptom inventory modeled on large population-based studies through 1998 (CDC Air Force, Iowa, UK study, NHRC, VA National Survey)
1998 Goals: to determine if Kansas veterans had health problem associated with service in 1990-1991 war If so, to describe the problem(s) Kansas study: 1,548 GW veterans, 482 nondeployed era veterans 6 statistically -defined symptom domains significantly higher in GW veterans
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Considerations in Developing Algorithm for Defining GWI: Example using data from Kansas Veterans
6 statistically -defined symptom domains sign. higher in GW vets: Fatigue/sleep problems Somatic pain symptoms Neuro/cognitive/mood symptoms Gastrointestinal symptoms Respiratory symptoms Skin symptoms Roughly same proportion (29-30%) of Gulf War and nondeployed veterans had some symptoms in 1 or 2 symptom domains Roughly same proportion reported dx with many medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancers) but several dx (e.g. migraines, CFS, PTSD) were sign. higher in GW veterans
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30%
20%
10%
0%
1-2 Symptom Groups 3+ Symptom Groups
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Prevalence of Exclusionary Conditions and Symptom Groups Among Kansas Gulf War-Era Veterans
40%
Nondeployed Veterans Gulf War veterans
30%
20%
10%
0%
Any Exclusionary Condition No Exclusionary Conditions, 1-2 Symptom Groups No Exclusionary Conditions, 3+ Symptom Groups
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Issue: Can (or should) GW veterans with diagnosed conditions also be considered GWI cases?
Can be tricky: Pros and cons differ for different studies, in different situations (e.g., large/small, cohort/case-control, different study questions, etc. )
Evidence can inform this decision: can evaluate impact of incorporating different strategies for using exclusionary criteria
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Diagnosis/Condition dx by Physician
Chronic problems due to serious injury Heart disease Cancer Diabetes Liver disease
Percent 4% 3% 3% 3% 2%
3 102
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< 1% 16%
2%
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Issue: What are effects of using broader/narrower GWI case definitions on research findings? Can evaluate analytically in multiple ways, e.g. effects on direction and magnitude of association of GWI with different risk factors Example: Use of CDC, Kansas case defs generally identify same direction of association, but different magnitude
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Use of Different Case Definitions to Assess Risk Factors for Gulf War Illness in 304 Kansas and Missouri GW Veterans
OR: CDC Case Def 1.88 2.30* 1.99* 1.43 1.09 1.03
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GWI is complex, challenging to study. Essential that ambiguity be minimized to the extent possible Unlike other conditions, extensive amount of population-based symptom data available; suitable comparison group allows refinement Encourages buy-in for broader use of case definition
Expert Consensus
As with any health condition, case definition is best developed by those who are most experienced in conducting research and treating patients with that condition This expertise is needed to best identify and weigh pros/cons of different elements of the case definition Also encourages buy-in, for broader use of case definition
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Major priorities of CDMRPs GWI Research Program include improvement of GWI case definition
Fort Devens cohort: longitudinal evaluation of symptom data to improve GWI case definition, based on current symptom profile
Baylor project (with Westat): National study of Gulf War and era veterans to characterize current symptoms, optimize case definition
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May 2013: VA contracts with IOM to produce consensus case definition for multisymptom illness in GW veterans Charge to IOM Panel: Comprehensive review of the literature Info sources: literature on CMI in 1990-1991 GW veterans, other military populations, other populations Discussions with researchers who have developed case defs in GWV, clinicians who treat GWV
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In Light of Process Outlined by VA Strategic Plan, Concerns raised re: IOM development of GWI case definition
Charge appears to center on a literature review; no analytic use of the extensive data available to develop case definition No consideration of the 2 major case definition projects currently funded by DOD/CDMRP
No GWI expert consensus; no broad representation of scientists, clinicians most experienced in GWI research and patient care; no representation of CDMRP
With notable exceptions, panel members have limited research experience specific to GWI, little background in developing symptom-based case definitions Historically, IOM has not undertaken this type of project
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Earlier this year, IOM treatments panel devised their own case definition for chronic multisymptom illness (for purposes of report): rationale and methods unclear, not specified Chronic symptoms in at least 2 of 6 categories: fatigue, mood/cognition, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurologic
Did not appear to use available evidence or GWI expertise (no literature review, no input from GWI experts, no analytic use of data resources)
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Summary
Until diagnostic biomarkers become available, advances in GWI research can be greatly facilitated by establishing a strong, consistently used case definition Evidence-based, using comprehensive analytic effort to assess optimal algorithm and case definition parameters Developed by consensus of broad representation of researchers, clinicians most expert in GWI
Current IOM charge for developing case definition does not appear to address the benchmarks set by VA GW Strategic Plan Solutions ? RAC discussions included changing or withdrawing IOM charge, other creative solutions for modifying the process
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My symptoms began in the Gulf with severe abdominal cramping and severe diarrhea. I also had terrible headaches and bouts of dizziness and tingling. Once I returned to the base in Germany, the headaches persisted, and I experienced the cramps and diarrhea on a cyclic basis. I also went through periods of night sweats. And there were periods where I would sleep a lot because I was so fatigued. My joints were stiff, and my knees would swell after I ran. It was harder for me to do things without feeling short of breath. These symptoms became worse as time passed. Ever since my return from the Gulf, Ive been plagued by multiple rashes and lesions on my face, neck, arms and back. They come and go.
SSgt BJ, Desert Storm veteran, U.S. Army