Longitudinal Assessment of Health Symptoms in Relation to Neurotoxicant Exposures in 1991 Gulf War Veterans: The Ft. Devens Cohort.

Abstract

This analysis examined the relationship between Gulf War (GW) exposures and health symptoms reported in three time periods over 20 years in Ft. Devens Cohort veterans. Repeated logistic regression models examined the association of exposures and health symptoms over time. Models included baseline age, active duty status, post-traumatic stress disorder status, sex, and time since deployment as covariates. Exposure to tent heaters was associated with increased odds of crying easily and muscle twitching. Exposure to pyridostigmine bromide (PB) pills was associated with increased odds of depression and fatigue. Exposure to the Khamisiyah sarin plume was associated with increased odds of trouble concentrating and crying easily. This longitudinal analysis demonstrated an association between neurotoxicant exposures and increased odds of cognitive/mood, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. In addition, most symptoms increased over time since deployment regardless of exposure.