IGWC MESSAGE BOARD

Environmental Health Coordinators Listing 2009

Gale — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:34:13 GMT

Environmental Health Coordinators Listing 2009:

Points-of-Contact by State:
http://www1.va.gov/environagents/docs/EHClinicianCoordinatorDirectory12009.doc

Forum: Library of Useful Links

Index of VA Resources

Gale — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:31:26 GMT

Forum: Library of Useful Links

National Gulf war Resource Center Conference

Gale — Thur, 11 Jun 2009 17:34:31 GMT

I just added the draft agenda to the news area of the National Gulf war Resource Center website. This is the link

http://ngwrc.org/news2.php?RECORD_KEY(news)=ID&ID(news)=191

The dates are July 31 and August 1.

Jim Bunker

President

National Gulf War Resource Center

http://www.ngwrc.org

__._,_.___

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Forum: Contact Us or Post a general question or message here

WHO declares first flu pandemic in 41 years

Gale — Thur, 11 Jun 2009 17:29:40 GMT

From Randi Airola

Everyone was warned - at least as of four years ago....

Below will be a recent article put out (2009).

See below Op-Ed below article and links to the laws done in 2005, great thanks to Barb Fisher.

The alarm has been ringing for years......

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/un_un_swine_flu

WHO declares first flu pandemic in 41 years

GENEVA The World Health Organization says the spread of swine flu has created the first global flu epidemic in 41 years.

The announcement by WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan came Thursday as infections climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere to near 30,000 cases.

Chan said she decided to raise the pandemic alert level from phase 5 to 6, meaning that a global outbreak of swine flu has begun, after an emergency meeting on swine flu with top experts.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

GENEVA (AP) The World Health Organization told its member nations it was declaring a swine flu pandemic Thursday the first global flu epidemic in 41 years as infections climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere.

In a statement sent to health officials, WHO said it decided to raise the pandemic warning level from phase 5 to 6 its highest alert after holding an emergency meeting with its flu experts.

WHO chief Dr. Margaret Chan was expected to make a formal announcement on the pandemic later Thursday.

The long-awaited pandemic decision is scientific confirmation that a new flu virus has emerged and is quickly circling the globe. It will trigger drugmakers to speed up production of a swine flu vaccine and prompt governments to devote more money toward efforts to contain the virus.

"At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterized globally as being moderate in severity," WHO said in the statement, urging nations not to close borders or restrict travel and trade.

WHO also told countries it was in "close dialogue" with flu vaccine makers and it believed the firms would work "to ensure the largest possible supply of pandemic vaccine in the months to come."

Flu vaccine makers like GlaxoSmithKline PLC and Sanofi-Aventis have been working since last month on a swine flu vaccine. GlaxoSmithKline spokesman Stephen Rea said the company was ready to start making swine flu vaccine in large quantities once it finished its regular flu vaccine production in July.

On Wednesday, WHO said 74 countries had reported nearly 27,737 cases of swine flu, including 141 deaths. The agency has stressed that most cases have been mild and required no treatment, but the fear is that a rash of new infections could overwhelm hospitals and health authorities especially in poorer countries.

Still, about half of the people who have died from swine flu, also known by its scientific name H1N1, were previously young and healthy people who are not usually susceptible to flu.

Swine flu is also continuing to spread during the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. Normally, flu viruses disappear with warm weather, but swine flu is proving to be resilient.

The last pandemic the Hong Kong flu of 1968 killed about 1 million people. Ordinary flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people each year.

Many health experts say WHO's pandemic declaration could have come weeks earlier but the agency became bogged down by politics. In May, several countries urged WHO not to declare a pandemic, fearing it would cause social and economic turmoil.

"This is WHO finally catching up with the facts," said Michael Osterholm, a flu expert at the University of Minnesota who has advised the U.S. government on pandemic preparations.

Despite WHO's hopes, raising the epidemic alert to the highest level will almost certainly spark some panic about spread of swine flu.

Fear has already gripped Argentina, where thousands worried about swine flu flooded into hospitals this week, bringing emergency health services in Buenos Aires, the capital, to the brink of collapse. Last month, a bus arriving in Argentina from Chile was stoned by people who thought a passenger on it had swine flu. Chile has the most swine flu cases in South America.

In Hong Kong on Thursday, the government ordered all kindergartens and primary schools closed for two weeks after a dozen students tested positive for swine flu a move that some health experts would consider an overreaction.

In the United States, where there have been more than 13,000 cases and at least 27 deaths from swine flu, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the move would not change how the U.S. tackled swine flu.

"Our actions in the past month have been as if there was a pandemic in this country," Glen Nowak, a CDC spokesman, said Thursday.

The U.S. government has already taken steps like increasing availability of flu-fighting medicines and authorizing $1 billion for the development of a new vaccine against the novel virus. In addition, new cases seem to be declining in many parts of the country, U.S. health officials say, as North America moves out of its traditional winter flu season.

Still, Osterholm said Thursday's decision was a wake-up call for the world.

"I think a lot of people think we're done with swine flu, but you can't fall asleep at the wheel," he said. "We don't know what's going to happen in the next 6 to 12 months."

Randi J. Airola, (c) 517-819-5926

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Readying Americans for Dangerous, Mandatory Vaccinations By Stephen Lendman
URL of this article: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=13925
Global Research, June 10, 2009
At least three US federal laws should concern all Americans and suggest what may be coming - mandatory vaccinations for hyped, non-existant threats, like H1N1 (Swine Flu). Vaccines and drugs like Tamiflu endanger human health but are hugely profitable to drug company manufacturers. The Project BioShield Act of 2004 (S. 15) became law on July 21, 2004 "to provide protections and countermeasures against chemical, radiological, or nuclear agents that may be used in a terrorist attack against the United States by giving the National Institutes of Health contracting flexibility, infrastructure improvements, and expediting the scientific peer review process, and streamlining the Food and Drug Administration approval process of countermeasures." In other words, the FDA may now recklessly approve inadequately tested, potentially dangerous vaccines and other drugs if ever the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) or Defense (DOD) declare a national emergency, whether or not one exists and regardless of whether treatments available are safe and effective. Around $6 billion or more will be spent to develop, produce, and stockpile vaccines and other drugs to counteract claimed bioterror agents. The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act slipped under the radar when George Bush signed it into law as part of the 2006 Defense Appropriations Act (HR 2863). It lets the HHS Secretary declare any disease an epidemic or national emergency requiring mandatory vaccinations. Nothing in the Act lists criteria that warrant a threat. Also potential penalties aren't specified for those who balk, but very likely they'd include quarantine and possible fines. The HHS web site also says the Secretary may "issue a declaration....that provides immunity from tort liability (except for willful misconduct) for claims of loss caused, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from administration or use of (vaccine or other pharmaceutical) countermeasures to diseases, threats and conditions determined by the Secretary to constitute a present, or credible risk of a future public health emergency...." The industry-run US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notoriously rushes inadequately tested drugs to market, putting their efficacy and safety into question, and turning those who use them into lab rats. It includes everyone if a mass vaccination is ordered on the mere claim of a public emergency - no proof required. The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (S. 3678) is the other worrisome law, effective December 19, 2006. It amended "the Public Health Service Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes." Even its supporters worry about issues of privacy, liability, and putting profits over public health. Critics express greater concerns about dangerous remedies for exaggerated or non-existant threats as well as mass hysteria created for political purposes. At least one other measure is also worrisome - The Model State Emergency Health Powers Act (MSEHPA). So far it's just a proposal by the Center for Law and the Public's Health - "A Collaborative at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown Universities (as) a primary, international, national, state, and local resource on public health law (and) policy for public health practitioners, judges, academics, policymakers, and others." MSEHPA is now "track(ing) legal responses to the emerging international response to the 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak, including declarations of public health emergency at the international, national, state, and local levels...." even though forensic evidence can't confirm any H1N1 deaths. No emergency exists anywhere, and reporting one is all hype to sell dangerous drugs to unsuspecting people globally. On its web site, the ACLU says this about MSEHPA: It's "written in a way that doesn't adequately protect citizens against the misuse of the tremendous powers that it would grant in an emergency. (It's) replete with civil liberties problems. Its three top flaws are that: (1) It fails to include basic checks and balances (by) grant(ing) extraordinary emergency powers (that) should never go unchecked. (It) could have serious consequences for individuals' freedom, privacy, and equality." (2) "It goes well beyond bioterrorism (with) an overbroad definition of 'public health emergency" that may be anything a local or national authority declares for any reason with no conclusive evidence for proof. (3) "It lacks privacy protections (and) undercut(s) existing protections for sensitive medical information." MSEHPA worries other organizations besides the ACLU, both conservative and progressive - including the Free Congress Foundation, American Legislative Exchange Council, conservative association of state legislators, Human Rights Campaign, and Health Privacy Project. The Real Threat of Dangerous, Mandatory Vaccinations In the wake of the hyped Swine Flu scare, media reports suggest mass vaccinations are coming. The May 6 Kimberly Kindy - Ceci Connolly Washington Post one, for example, headlined "US May Add Shots for Swine Flu to Fall Regimen" without saying they'll be mandatory but reading between the lines suggests the possibility this year or later. The writers report that "The Obama administration is considering an unprecedented fall vaccination campaign" to include regular and Swine Flu shots, the latter because it's "spreading across the globe." HHS' Dr. Robin Robinson said "We are moving forward with making a vaccine," and if the government proceeds with a national program, enough supply will be produced to provide two doses for all Americans with spokespersons like National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, claiming adverse reactions aren't to be expected and adding another shot for Swine Flu "should not present a problem." The New York Times also hypes the scare with reports of city schools closed after unconfirmed Swine Flu cases, a few adult deaths blamed on H1N1 bringing the claimed total in the city to seven, and the World Health Organization (WHO) saying on June 3 that it's moving closer to declaring a worldwide (Level 6) Swine Flu pandemic - even though none exists. With all the hype, misinformation, and willful lies WHO's Dr. Keiji Fukuda, in charge of flu, said only 117 deaths globally have been "blamed" on Swine Flu and any warning may include the caveat that the virus isn't very lethal. A more accurate statement would explain that no forensic evidence links any deaths to H1N1, and influenza annually kills about 30,000 people in America alone - something the major media never report or that scattered accounts of any type flu deaths worldwide are no cause for alarm or reason for scary headlines. It's also unconscionable for the WHO, US and other nations' officials to spread lies, deception, and hysteria so major pharmaceutical companies can foist dangerous vaccines and other drugs on unsuspecting people, harming their health and making them vulnerable to later diseases and possible early deaths. Massachusetts May Be A Forerunner of What's to Come On April 28, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a pandemic flu preparation bill that rises to the level of martial law. If approved by the House and signed into law, it will mandate among other measures: -- "vaccination, treatment, examination, or testing of" all individuals involved in providing health care - as perhaps step one before ordering the same process for all state residents; -- owners or occupiers of all premises "to permit entry into and investigation of the premises;" -- closure, evacuation, and decontamination of all suspected facilities; and -- restricting or prohibiting "assemblages of persons." Other states may be planning similar measures as precursors to mandatory nationwide vaccinations and overall suspension of civil liberty protections. Adverse Vaccination Effects on Gulf War Troops Before deploying to the Persian Gulf in 1990 - 91 (and thereafter to the present), all US troops got a standard series of inoculations against infectious diseases - the same ones given to all US citizens traveling to the region. After arriving, 150,000 also got anthrax vaccinations and 8000 botulinum toxoid ones even though concerns were raised about adverse long-term health consequences. A National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine (IOM) study was conducted to assess them with results released in September 2000. In December 1997, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced that all US military forces would receive anthrax vaccinations. The Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) began in March 1998 even though IOM found little published peer-reviewed scientific information on its safety. In its study, IOM reported evidence of an association between vaccinations studied and transient acute common health effects, including redness, swelling, and fever commonly associated with other vaccinations. However, conclusive proof of long-term problems wasn't determined - likely because study findings were skewed not to find them. More on that below. IOM also studied botulinum toxoid vaccines and found evidence of an association between the vaccine and transient acute local and systemic effects similar to anthrax vaccinations. Again, conclusive proof of long-term adverse health effects wasn't found - another very dubious conclusion as evidence below explains. Military personnel usually get multiple vaccinations. IOM studied their effects but didn't prove or disprove any long-term adverse effects. However several independent studies of British Gulf War veterans found some link between multiple vaccinations and later health problems. Gary Matsumoto is a New York-based award-winning investigative journalist. His 2004 book, "Vaccine A: The Covert Government Experiment That's Killing Our Soldiers and Why GIs are Only the First Victims" took sharp issue with IOM results and the Pentagon's denial of Gulf War syndrome. Investigating the shadowy vaccination development world, he discovered US military-employed doctors and scientists conducted secret medical experiments on US citizens in violation of the Nuremberg Code and fundamental medical ethics. For its part, Nuremberg established legal medical experimental standards now incorporated into ethical medical codes, including: -- requiring voluntary consent of human subjects without coercion, fraud, deceit, and with full disclosure of known risks; -- experiments should avoid "all unnecessary physical and mental suffering and injury;" -- experiments should never be conducted if there's "an a priori reason to believe death or disabling injury will occur;" -- risk "should never exceed that determined by the humanitarian importance of the problem to be solved..;" and -- experiments should be terminated if there's reason to believe they'll cause "injury, disability, or death to the experimental subject." According to Matsumoto, the Pentagon violated these and other standards, betrayed the troops, and the fundamental duty of military and civilian leaders to protect them. Since at least 1987, biowarfare development trumped the welfare of tens of thousands of GIs used as human guinea pigs for inoculation with experimental unlicensed anthrax vaccines containing squalene - an oil-based adjuvant (to enhance immunity) known for decades to cause severe autoimmune diseases in lab animals, yet administered involuntarily without disclosure of its harmful effects to human health. Matsumoto wrote: "The unethical experiments detailed in this book are ongoing, with little prospect of being self-limiting because they have been shielded from scrutiny and public accountability by national security concerns." He suggested the "writing (was) on the wall" of what's to come with prospects now it may be soon. "When UCLA Medical School's Michael Whitehouse and Frances Beck injected squalene combined with other materials into rats and guinea pigs back in the 1970s, few oils were more effective at causing the animal versions of arthritis and multiple sclerosis." In 1999, immunologist Dr. Johnny Lorentzen at Sweden's Karolinska Institute found that on injection, an "otherwise benign molecule like squalene can stimulate a self-destructive immune response," even though it occurs naturally in the body. Other research shows that squalene is the experimental anthrax vaccine ingredient that caused devastating autoimmune diseases and deaths for many Gulf War veterans from the US, UK, and Australia, yet it continues in use today and for new vaccines development in labs. There's a "close match between the squalene-induced diseases in animals and those observed in humans injected with this oil: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus." Other autoimmune diseases are also linked to humans injected with squalene. "There are now data in more than two dozen peer-reviewed scientific papers, from ten different laboratories in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia, documenting that squalene-based adjuvants can induce autoimmune diseases in animals...observed in mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. Sweden's Karolinska Institute has demonstrated that squalene alone can induce the animal version of rheumatoid arthritis. The Polish Academy of Sciences has shown that in animals, squalene alone can produce catastrophic injury to the nervous system and the brain. The University of Florida Medical School has shown that in animals, squalene alone can induce production of antibodies specifically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus." Micropaleontologist Dr. Viera Scheibner conducted research into the adverse effects of adjuvants in vaccines and wrote: Squalene "contributed to the cascade of reactions called "Gulf War syndrome. (GIs developed) arthritis, fibromyalgia, lymphadenopathy, rashes, photosensitive rashes, malar rashes, chronic fatigue, chronic headaches, abnormal body hair loss, non-healing skin lesions, aphthous ulcers, dizziness, weakness, memory loss, seizures, mood changes, neuropsychiatric problems, anti-thyroid effects, anaemia, elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, ALS, Raynaud's phenomenon, Sjorgren's syndrome, chronic diarrhea, night sweats and low-grade fever." Matsumoto's book includes numerous case studies of GIs afflicted with one or more of the above syndromes, their devastating effects, and the outlandish US government reaction - failing to acknowledge their existence or a connection between them and administered vaccines. Also denying the effects of other toxic Gulf theater exposures (like depleted uranium) as well as withholding meaningful treatments or protocols. US Army Captain George L. Skypeck spoke eloquently for many when he said: "Was the character of my valor less intense than those at Lexington? Was the pain of my wounds any less severe than those at Normandy? And was my loneliness any less sorrowful than those at Inchon? Then why am I forgotten amonst those remembered as 'heros?' " If mass vaccinations are ordered, millions of Americans may ask: Why do you keep using unsafe vaccines and other drugs when clear evidence shows their dangers? Why do you jeopardize all Americans by unleashing a future plague of serious illnesses, diseases, and disabilities? Why have you willfully and maliciously ruined my health? Immunologist Dr. Pamela Asa first recognized autoimmune diseases showing up in GIs that mirrored those in lab animals injected with oil formulated squalene adjuvants. By 1997, hundreds of millions of dollars had been spent testing vaccines containing them, in animal studies since 1988 and human clinical trials since 1991 - by leading research institutes like NIH, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). According to Matsumoto, today, "Squalene adjuvants are a key ingredient in a whole new generation of vaccines intended for mass immunization around the globe" even though researchers at Tulane Medical School and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research proved "that the immune system responds specifically to the squalene molecule." The immune system "see(s) and recognizes it as an oil molecule native to the body. Squalene is not just a molecule found in a knee or elbow - it is found throughout the nervous system and the brain." When injected in the body, the immune system attacks it as an enemy to be eliminated. Eating and digesting squalene isn't a problem. But injecting it "galvanize(s) the immune system into attacking it, which can produce self-destructive cross reactions against the same molecule in the places where it occurs naturally in the body - and where it is critical to the health of the nervous system." Once self-destruction begins, it doesn't stop as the body keeps making the molecule that the immune system is trained to attack and destroy. Immunologist Dr. Bonnie Dunbar also did extensive research on hepatitis B-inflicted illnesses and found similar autoimmune processes involved in molecular mimicry in people with devastating neuroimmune syndromes after getting vaccine injections. Matsumoto says "Squalene is a kind of trigger for (a) real biological weapon," what Soviet researchers called "a biological time bomb!!" and Matsumoto says is "the immune system." When its "full repertoire of cells and antibodies (attack) tissues they are supposed to protect, the results can be catastrophic." He and Dr. Pam Asa conclude that "Oil adjuvants are the most insidious chemical weapon ever devised," including ones with squalene - something the Soviets knew could be used as a weapon in the 1980s. Matsumoto says that "the real problem with using squalene (isn't) that it mimics a molecule found in the body; it is the same molecule. So what American scientists conceived as a vaccine booster (or what's now being developed in labs) was another 'nano-bomb,' instigating chronic, unpredictable and debilitating disease. When the NIH....argued that squalene would be safe because it is native to the body, just the opposite was true," and, of course, still is. "Squalene's natural presence in the body made it one of the most dangerous molecules ever injected into man" and using it in vaccines is outlandish and criminal. So why does Washington sanction its use? According to Matsumoto: "scientists in the United States are now literally invested in squalene. Army scientists who developed the second generation anthrax vaccine have reputations to protect and licensing fees to reap (as well as) worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the new recombinant vaccine for anthrax" and ones for other health threats. Disturbingly, "Many of the cutting-edge vaccines currently in development by the NIH and its corporate partners contain squalene in one formulation or another. There is squalene in the prototype recombinant vaccines for HIV, malaria, herpes, influenza (including the swine strain), cytomegalovirus and human papillomavirus." Some of these "are intended for mass immunization(s) around the globe" and that possibility should terrify everyone enough to refuse any mandate or doctor's prescription to take them. Another problem is that "Autoimmunity (takes) years to diagnose" because early symptoms (headaches, joint pain, etc.) are so vague they can easily be from other causes. From inception, vaccines have always been dangerous enough for some experts to call them biological weapons undermining health, manipulating and crippling the immune system, and creating the possibility of future debilitating diseases. So Big Pharma's solution is new, more potent genetically engineered vaccines and drugs that may end up harming or killing many who take them, especially people with weakened immune systems. Matsumoto and others sounded the alarm to alert everyone to avoid these poisons masquerading as protective drugs. In fact, they benefit only the bottom lines of companies that manufacture them and scientists reaping generous royalties. Stephen Lendman is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization. He lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at http://www.sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to The Global Research News Hour on http://www.RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday - Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national issues. All programs are archived for easy listening. http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=13859

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Bioshield II - Legislation Threatens our Freedom

Since the attacks of September 11th, 2001, the citizens of the United States have been challenged by elevated alerts predicting bioterrorism. The facts, however, do not support this paranoia. In the only biological attack in our nations history our country was assaulted with anthrax spores that originated from a domestic source according to the FBI and the White House. We are told that we will not let the terrorists change our lives, but that's exactly what our Government is mandating through legislation.

While the Government attempts to evade detection for misleading the American people in policies abroad, they are diverting their attention, and ours, to new undetectable domestic threats. The intended solutions to bioterrorism and the risk those solutions place on our citizens needs sharp review. In the midst of the diversionary hype our Government is simultaneously indemnifying itself and Biodefense manufacturers against any liability from damages caused by their vaccines or drugs meant to protect us against these new threats, real or not. Compliance will be mandatory.

Senator Burr (R-NC) has introduced a bill titled the Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2005 (S. 1873, aka: Bioshield II), co-sponsored by Senators Frist (R-TN), Enzi (R-WY) and Gregg (R-NH). From the title, the intent appears to be for the protection of the American people; however, upon closer scrutiny, this Act is more concerned with protecting the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, it strips the citizens of the United States of their basic human rights. Examining the facts one at a time, S. 1873 shows us the following. The Act:

Provides sweeping immunity to any manufacturer that produces any type of countermeasure from any type of lawsuit stemming from injuries or death that may occur to the recipient;

Provides a Government fund for any person that has been injured or died as a result of any countermeasure taken, with a cap of $250,000.00 per person, per life. If a person becomes permanently disabled, it is unrealistic to believe that this sum will last a couple of years, let alone a lifetime;

Creates a new agency, the "Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency" (BARDA), which will be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and judicial review;

Determines the Secretary of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to be the sole authority on whether or not a person's injury or death resulted from the countermeasure. The Secretary's decision is final and not subject to judicial review.

So the Secretary authorized to declare a national emergency, would coincidentally be the person who would review and rule on whether or not an injury or death was the result of his/her decision, that would not be subject to judicial review. Such practice may be suitable in an oligarchy but not in a democracy. This is a significant conflict of interest.

Under "Project Bioshield", the Secretary of DHHS, an appointed, unelected official, can declare a national emergency based on intelligence of threats of bioterrorism/pandemics/ epidemics (whether natural outbreaks or bioterrorism), and whether those threats are real or potential. Should that occur, then every American can be forced to submit to whatever countermeasure is deemed appropriate, whether that countermeasure is FDA approved or not. To say the least, this is completely unenforceable. The Bill of Rights cannot logically coexist with such a law.

The "Homeland Security Act of 2002", removes liability for injuries or deaths caused by the smallpox vaccine when it is used as a countermeasure. Currently, the product label with the Wyeth Smallpox vaccine now carries a "black box warning" about potentially fatal dangers to the heart.

The "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002", proposed changes to the vaccine and drug licensure standards. Under this Act, known as the "animal efficacy rule" (meaning that testing on animals will be deemed sufficient), could be enacted in order to use a drug or vaccine. The true human cost in terms of injuries or deaths will not be known until mass vaccination occurs.

The "Emergency Use Authorization" (EUA) allows the FDA to put into use countermeasures that has either not been approved, or, not approved for their intended use. The EUA has already injected the anthrax vaccine into over 1 million of our military service members under a Department of Defense order. This has resulted in thousands of injured individuals, 21 deaths that are admitted, and hundreds of court-martials which have resulted in felony convictions. A federal judge (Doe v. Rumsfeld) put an end to this mandated illegal practice. If however, S. 1873 is passed, there will be no judicial review.

To ensure compliance to rapid responses, the "Model State Emergency Health Powers Act" (MSEHPA) is an Act which allows Governors to declare an emergency and to utilize the state militia in the control of all roads leading into and out of the cities and the state. It allows the Governor to seize citizens' personal property, to arrest and detain and forcibly examine, vaccinate and medicate citizens and/or their minor children without informed consent. Should death or injury occur during any of this process, any person acting on behalf of the Government would not be held liable.

Taken as a whole or even in part, S. 1873, and the other Acts cited above are a serious threat to our Constitution and to the liberty of all Americans. These Acts are a direct assault on every American's freedom.

Written by Randi Airola, randiceaj@sbcglobal.net, and John Gowan, jggowan@comcast.net

To read the full paper with links and references to Senator Burr's staff regarding S. 1873, and all other Acts cited above, by Barbara Fisher, go to:

http://www.nvic.org/2005_11-15_NVIC_Sen%20Burr_BioShield%202_v7.pdf

Forum: Contact Us or Post a general question or message here

CFIDS(Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome)

usafang1967 — Thur, 11 Jun 2009 01:19:44 GMT

Hello all,
Does anyone belong to CFIDS(http://www.cfids.org/default.asp)?
They have a lot of info on those who has CFS/GWI.

Forum: Compensation, Treatment, and Research Resources

Welcome AGWVA/gulfwarvets.com Members!

Gale — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:32:17 GMT

Dear Members,

Welcome!

We apologize for the inconvenience as we transition from the previous gulfwarvets.com bulletin board to a new one. The International Gulf War Council (IGWC) is offering this message board for the use of the AGWVA/gulfwarvets.com while its webmasters, Gary and Wanda, establish a new host and URL for its Bulletin Board. We will announce any new changes and information here as they develope. As you may know, we have had to shut down the old bulletin board at its old URL to find a new host that provided better security and program operations.

Please feel free to use this message board in the interim and we will try to accomodate your questions and suggestions as soon as we can. If you want to share your MySpace or FaceBook pages so that you can network with other veterans and veterans advocates, feel free to. If you want to share your personal and private information with anyone, please do it through email (for you own safety and security), rather than posting it on this message board. We ask that you not post any spam or advertisements on this board.

Forum: Gulfwarvets.com Announcements

Additional Gulf War Veterans contact and back ground information

Gale — Thur, 26 Mar 2009 06:02:37 GMT

You may also find other Gulf War Vets looking to contact each other at this link: http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=000520

Forum: Contact Us or Post a general question or message here

Understanding Post-Mycoplasma

ryan_khoo — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:00:03 GMT

My 9 year old boy was down with fever and I took him to visit a GP. The sequence of event are as follows:

Day 1: Cough and Fever developed and appeared for the first time at night.

Day 2: Highest recorded fever is 41 degree Centrigade. Took him to a GP. Doctor said that the throat was red and there was wheezing sound in the chest. Was prescribed some antibiotic and paracetemol to control the fever.

Day 5: Fever still did not go away although the fever fluctuates between 38 to 40. So took him to the same GP and was prescribed the same antibiotic as the doctor said that the throat was no more red and lungs was "cleared"

Day 8: As the cough and fever remains, the GP advised to go to hospital for a checukp. At the hospital, after some blood test and x-ray was taken, the doctor changed the antibiotic to Augmentin.

Day 11: No signs of improvement, so took my boy to the Hospital again. Xray was taken again and this time the doctor susptected it is mycoplasma and prescribed Azithromycin for 5 doses (ie 1 dose each day). Took 1st dose of Azithromycin

Day 12: Took 2nd dose of Azithromycin. Fever down to normal but fever appeared again after 22 hours of no fever. But the fever fluctuates from normal to 38.

Day 13: Fever and cough cured. But still took 3rd doage.

Day 14: Took 4th dose despite being cured. But boy showed sign diziness, tiredness and sign of imbalance (he cannot stand still with both eyes closed and remain unsteady). Took him to Hospital but doctor said he needed a rest. Doctor suspected the dowsiness was due to sign effects of promithezane. Similarly no fever and cough.

Day 15: No fever but notice insignificant on-off cough. Sign of imbalance deteriorates. Loss of appetite, vomitted and face look pale. So took him to Hospital again. The boy was examined and was asked to perform many tasks. This time was warded to due suspicion of meningitis.

Blood test was done on an emergency basis. result of blood test is negative. MRI scan was done and results of MRI is negative so tumour was ruled out. Fluid was extracted from his spine and result was negative so meningitis was ruled out.

Doctor at the hospital then concluded that the imbalance was due to post-mycoplama. The doctor explained that no medicine will be prescribed for post-mycoplsma and will leave it for the body will fight itself. The doctor explained that post-mycoplsma is the body's reaction to mycoplasma by attacking its own brain. So with time, as the attack ceased, the boy will turn back to normal.

My questions are as follows:

1) If post-mycoplasma is the body's reaction to attack its own brain. Why in some (or most) cases of mycoplasma, the body did not attack the brain ?

2) How does the body decides when to attack the brain and when not to attack the brain ?

3) How does the body knows when to stop attacking the brain ?

4) What will happen if the body continue and did not stop attacking the brain ?

5) How do we ensure that the body will stop attacking the brain ?

6) Is this phenomena of of body's reaction to attack its own brain due to side effect of azithromycin or due to the anti-body produced by the body to fight the mycoplasma ?

Your opinion is gratly appreciated.

Thank you.

Forum: Compensation, Treatment, and Research Resources

Annual Report to Congress, Research on GWI 2007

IGWCADMIN — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:58:37 GMT

http://www.research.va.gov/resources/pubs/GulfWarRpt07.cfm

ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS
Federally Sponsored Research on
Gulf War Veterans Illnesses for 2007
July 2008
Deployment Health Working Group Research Subcommittee

i
Federally Sponsored Research on
Gulf War Veterans Illnesses for 2007
DEPLOYMENT HEALTH WORKING GROUP
RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS
Department of Veterans Affairs:
William J. Goldberg, PhD (VA Co-Chair)
K. Craig Hyams, MD, MPH
Richard Johnston, MD, Captain, Royal Navy, British Liaison Officer
(ex officio)
Department of Defense:
Bart Kuhn (DoD Co-Chair)
Kelley Ann Brix, MD, MPH
Salvatore M. Cirone, DVM, MPVM
Janet R. Harris, PhD, RN, Colonel, US Army Nurse Corps
Carl A. Castro, PhD, Colonel, Medical Service Corps, US Army
Department of Health and Human Services:
Drue H Barrett, PhD, Captain, USPHS
G. Bryan Jones, PhD, Captain, USPHS
Annual Report to
Congress V 2007
ii
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................... 1
I. INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1
II. RESEARCH PRIORITIES ...........................................................................................................1
III. RESEARCH RESULTS, CALENDAR YEAR 2007...................................................................1
IV. RESEARCH FUNDING TRENDS, FISCAL YEARS 1998 V 2007...........................................1
V. NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES................................................................1
I. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 2
II. RESEARCH PRIORITIES.......................................................................................... 2
A. Nineteen Research Topics..............................................................................................................2
B. Research Portfolio Descriptors .....................................................................................................3
C. Portfolio Criteria ............................................................................................................................4
III. RESEARCH RESULTS AND STATUS OF THE FIELD IN 2007 ....................... 6
A. Brain and Nervous System Function ............................................................................................6
B. Environmental Toxicology.............................................................................................................7
C. Immune Function and Infectious Diseases ..................................................................................9
D. Reproductive Health ......................................................................................................................9
E. Symptoms and General Health ...................................................................................................10
F. Abstracts from Published Research............................................................................................12
IV. RESEARCH FUNDING TRENDS, FISCAL YEARS 1998 - 2007 ...................... 46
V. NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES ............................................ 49
A. New Initiatives ..............................................................................................................................49
B. Portfolio Review ...........................................................................................................................49
C. New Projects ................................................................................................................................49
VI. REFERENCES .......................................................................................................... 52
APPENDICES, FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS ........................ 61
Appendix A: Project Index by Department .......................................................................................62
Appendix B: Project List by Research Focus Areas .........................................................................80
Appendix C: Project Funding, Fiscal Years 1998 - 2007................................................................103
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
I. INTRODUCTION
Section 707 of Public Law 102-585, as amended by section 104 of Public Law 105-368, requires that an annual report
be submitted to the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees on the results, status, and priorities of research
activities related to the health consequences of military service in the Gulf War (Operations Desert Shield and Desert
Storm; August 2, 1990 V July 31, 1991). The Research Subcommittee of the interagency Deployment Health Working
Group (DHWG) prepared this 2007 Annual Report to Congress, which is the fourteenth report on Federal research and
research activities. The DHWG tracks all federally funded research projects related to Gulf War veterans illnesses
(GWVI).
As in previous Annual Reports to Congress, the material presented is divided into 5 sections. Section I is an
introduction; Section II summarizes the research priorities and organization of the Federal Gulf War (GW) research
portfolio; Section III highlights and summarizes research progress published since the last Annual Report; Section IV
summarizes Federal funding trends for GW research during the 10-year period from fiscal year (FY) 1998 through FY
2007; and Section V highlights new research projects and initiatives.
II. RESEARCH PRIORITIES
The research priorities remain unchanged from last year. The 19 Research Topics (2 were eliminated in last years
report) are grouped into five major Research Focus Areas. These Research Focus Areas are used to organize Sections
III and V, as well as Appendix B (Project Listing by Research Focus Area). In November 2005, at the request of the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA Office of Research and Development (ORD) developed a set of criteria for
inclusion of VA-funded projects in the GW research portfolio and then evaluated the entire VA research portfolio for
projects meeting those criteria. The criteria used as the basis for the review are presented in Section II.
III. RESEARCH RESULTS AND STATUS OF THE FIELD IN 2007
Section III provides brief summaries of research on the health problems of GW veterans which was published in
English during calendar year 2007. Research results are grouped according to the five Research Focus Areas used to
organize the 19 Research Topics (see Section II): Brain and Nervous System Function, Environmental Toxicology,
Immune Function, Reproductive Health, and Symptoms and General Health Status. In this section, published research
results are described followed by specific study abstracts taken from PubMed.
IV. RESEARCH FUNDING TRENDS
From FY 1992 through FY 2007 the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense (DoD), and Health and Human
Services (HHS) funded 345 distinct projects related to health problems affecting GW veterans. The scope of the
Federal research portfolio is broad, from small pilot studies to large-scale epidemiology studies involving large
populations and major center-based research programs. Federal funding for research on GWVI totaled $267 million for
the period from FY 1998 through FY 2007. As of September 30, 2007, 272 projects (79 percent of the 345 projects)
were completed, and 73 projects (21 percent) were new or ongoing.
V. NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
Nine projects were funded through the FY06 Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Research Program (GWVIRP) and three
were funded through the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), both managed by the Congressionally
Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at DoD. These projects focused on Brain and Nervous System Function
(2), Environmental Toxicology (3), and Symptoms and General Health (7). Although funded from the FY06
appropriation, these projects did not actually begin until FY 2007. The two key priority areas for the FY06 GWVIRP
were Identification and evaluation of currently available treatments and Identification of objective indicators of
pathology that distinguish ill from healthy veterans.
VA funded 2 new projects in FY 2007; one focused on Environmental Toxicology and the other on Symptoms and
General Health.
2
I. INTRODUCTION
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) is required by section 707 of Public Law 102-585, as amended by section 104
of Public Law 105-368, to submit an annual report on the results, status, and priorities of research activities related to
the health consequences of military service in the GW to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs. The
Research Subcommittee of the interagency Deployment Health Working Group (DHWG) prepared this Annual Report
to Congress for 2007, which is the fourteenth report on research and research activities (DHWG, 2004; DHWG, 2005;
DHWG, 2006a; DHWG, 2006b; DHWG, 2007; MVHCB, 2001; MVHCB, 2002; PGVCB, 1995; PGVCB, 1996b;
PGVCB, 1997; PGVCB, 1998; PGVCB, 1999; PGVCB, 2001). The DHWG tracks all federally funded research
projects related to GWVI.
As in previous Annual Reports to Congress, the material presented is divided into five sections. Section I is an
introduction. Section II summarizes the research priorities and organization of the Federal GW research portfolio.
Section III highlights and summarizes published research progress since the last Annual Report. Section IV summarizes
Federal funding trends for GW research during the 10-year period from FY 1998 through FY 2007. Section V
highlights new research projects and initiatives since the last Annual Report.
II. RESEARCH PRIORITIES
A. Nineteen Research Topics
The Persian Gulf Veterans Coordinating Board (PGVCB) was created in 1994 to coordinate research from VA, DoD,
and HHS on GWVI. In 1995, the PGVCB devised a contextual framework for the results of completed and ongoing
studies and also to develop an approach for the interpretation of research results. To that end, the PGVCB identified 19
major research questions and subsequently added two additional questions in 1996 (PGVCB, 1996a), to bring the total
to 21. The comprehensive GW research portfolio has addressed each of these 21 questions, and relevant results have
been published on each one. The Military and Veterans Health Coordinating Board (MVHCB), the successor
organization to the PGVCB, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the progress made on each of these 21 questions
in the Annual Report to Congress for 2000. The Research Subcommittee of the DHWG, which was established to
address a broader range of deployment health issues, reviewed the 21 questions and replaced them with a corresponding
list of 21 Research Topics for the Annual Report to Congress for 2004 (DHWG, 2006a).
The original list of 21 questions has been reduced to 19. Based on the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies
(IOM) review of the scientific literature on infectious diseases (Institute of Medicine, 2006b) and the state of our current
scientific knowledge, the conclusion was reached in last years Annual Report that there is no rationale to continue
inclusion of infectious diseases as an area of research that will provide answers to the causes or cure for these
symptoms. Questions 2 and 19 have, therefore, been removed from the original list of 21 Questions and the third
Research Focus Area has been refocused from Immune Function and Infectious Diseases to just Immune Function.
Projects originally identified as Gulf War research under these two questions will continue to be listed in Appendices
A and B, but no funding amounts will be shown for FY 2007 or beyond.
Similarly, PTSD-related projects that were originally included in the Federal Gulf War research portfolio will be closed
as of FY2007 (i.e., no funds listed in Appendix C) if they do not directly study a population of ill Gulf War veterans or
are not investigating treatments that may prove beneficial for ill Gulf War veterans.
The IOM report reviewing the available literature on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in veterans (Institute of
Medicine, 2006a) concluded there is limited and suggestive evidence of an association between military service and
later development of ALS. This strengthens the decision to include ALS as a relevant topic in the Federal portfolio of
Gulf War research (DHWG, 2006b). ALS projects included in the GW portfolio are primarily focused on
epidemiologic studies in GW veterans and the development of new methodologies to identify and/or treat ALS.
The organization of the 19 Research Topics into five major categories is described in Section B below.
3
B. Research Portfolio Descriptors
VA maintains a research database of federally sponsored research on GWVI. This includes research conducted by
Federal scientists, as well as that by non-Federal scientists supported by Federal research funds through grants,
contracts, and cooperative agreements. It is not possible to accurately track research efforts that fall within the private
sector or otherwise outside of the purview of the Federal government.
Nonetheless, the Research Subcommittee of the DHWG attempts to stay abreast of all research relevant to GWVI. This
is accomplished by monitoring peer-reviewed published scientific literature, attending scientific meetings, and even
using newspaper reports and personal accounts of researchers.
Appendix A lists the projects that VA, DoD, and HHS have funded to date. Research projects are grouped according to
the department that is responsible for funding. Dual-funded projects are listed under both departments.
Appendix B lists all federally funded GW research projects, regardless of the agency providing the funding. Three
descriptors are used to categorize each funded project.
The first descriptor is the primary Research Focus Area of the project. The five Research Focus Areas are also used to
organize the 19 Research Topics (see Section A, above).
h Brain and Nervous System Function (e.g., studies on neurological or psychological deficits and/or alterations)
h Organic neuropsychological and neurological deficits (original Question 16)
h Psychological symptoms and/or diagnoses (original Question 18)
h Environmental Toxicology (e.g., studies focused on specific environmental exposures such as pesticides, oil well
fires, jet fuel, vaccines, medical prophylactic agents, etc.)
h Petroleum products and combustion products (original Question 3)
h Occupational/environmental hazards (original Question 4)
h Organophosphorus nerve agent and/or sulfur mustard from bombing at Muhammadiyat or weapons bunker at
Khamisiyah (original Question 5)
h Chemical agents, other than at Khamisiyah (original Question 6)
h Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and other medical prophylaxes (e.g., vaccines and anti-malarials) (original
Question 7)
h Psychophysiological stressors (original Question 8)
h Short term, low level exposures to pyridostigmine bromide, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), or permethrin,
alone or in combination as a cause of short-term and/or long-term neurological effects (original Question 17)
h Immune Function (e.g., studies on alterations in immune function or host defenses)
h Altered immune function or host defense (original Question 10)
h Reproductive Health (e.g., studies on sexual and/or reproductive dysfunction)
h Birth defects in offspring (original Question 11)
h Lower reproductive success (original Question 12)
h Sexual dysfunction (original Question 13)
h Symptoms and General Health (e.g., studies on mortality, pulmonary disease, cancer, chronic multisymptom
illnesses, etc.)
h Increased prevalence or severity of symptoms and/or illnesses (original Question 1)
h Nonspecific symptoms and symptom complexes (e.g., chronic multisymptom illnesses) (original Question 9)
h Changes in lung function or airway reactivity (original Question 14)
h Smaller baseline lung function or greater degree of nonspecific airway reactivity (original Question 15)
h Development of cancers of any type (original Question 20)
h Mortality rates (original Question 21)
4
Secondary and/or tertiary Research Focus Areas from the above list may also be assigned. Two additional Research
Focus Areas may be used for secondary and tertiary assignments. This permits accounting for projects that cover
multiple focus areas.
h Chemical weapons (e.g., sarin, sulfur mustard, etc.)
h Pyridostigmine bromide and other medical prophylaxes (e.g., vaccines, pyridostigmine bromide, antimalarials, etc)
The second descriptor is the Project Focus, categorized as follows:
h Diagnosis: studies that will improve the ability to diagnose previously unexplained conditions, or to better refine
diagnoses with new tools
h Exposure: studies that examine individual exposures and/or interactions of exposures (chemical, biological,
pharmacological, physiological, etc.)
h Interactions: interactions of combined exposures (chemical, biological, pharmacological, physiological, etc.)
h Prevention: studies that will produce knowledge that could lead to disease prevention strategies
h Symptoms: prevalence and risk factors for symptoms and alterations in general health status
h Treatment: development or testing of new therapies
Each project is assigned up to three Project Focus areas as categorical descriptors. This allows accounting for projects
that cover multiple focus areas. For example, a project on the neurophysiological effects of exposure to sarin in animals
would have a focus on the brain and nervous system, and a focus on chemical weapons. The number of focus areas
(between one and three) assigned to a project depends on the project itself.
The third descriptor for each project is Research Type. Each research project on GWVI uses a method of approach to
test a specific research hypothesis. Although precise categorization of research types can be difficult because of
overlapping methodologies, research projects can be divided into the following general types:
MECHANISTIC: Research into underlying mechanisms of diseases and illnesses using in vitro and in vivo models.
CLINICAL: Application of an intervention, such as in a controlled drug trial, or use of methodologies such as casecontrol
studies to define risk factors for disease.
EPIDEMIOLOGY: Study of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations. It includes populationbased
studies focused on outcomes such as mortality, symptoms, hospitalizations, etc., using devices such as postal
surveys, telephone interviews, and reviews of medical records.
In addition to tracking research on GWVI, the DHWG also tracks development activities. In general, development is
the systematic use of the knowledge or understanding gained from research directed toward the production of materials;
devices; systems; or methods, including design, development, and improvement of prototypes and new processes.
Within the context of GWVI, the DHWG categorizes activities as development as follows:
DEVELOPMENT: An activity that satisfies the general definition of development described above, and is directed
toward new biologically based prevention, intervention, and treatment measures.
The research database on GWVI catalogs only research and development activities that either directly involve GW
veterans or answer specific questions about risk factors. An example of the latter is a research project using animal
models to determine health effects of low-level chemical warfare agents. The database does not account for the vast
accumulated knowledge derived from the Nations investment in more generalized biomedical research over the past 50
years.

Forum: Compensation, Treatment, and Research Resources

Sleep Disorders Nexus

IGWCADMIN — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:22:55 GMT

Posted in behalf of Robert White: Robert F. White

You need to get a nexus opinion letter. You can cite this study below if you have a SC disability that deals with Sinusitis, Rhinitis or some type of nasal obstruction. If you want to know more about the nexus letter contact Gale and she can forward your email to me.

Nasal obstruction as a risk factor for sleep-disordered breathing. The University of Wisconsin Sleep and Respiratory Research Group.

Young T, Finn L, Kim H.

Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53705, USA.

Nasal obstruction frequently has been associated with sleep-disordered breathing as a potential etiologic factor. Nasal obstruction results in pathologic changes in airflow velocity and resistance. Experimentally produced nasal obstruction increases resistance and leads to sleep-disordered breathing events, including apnea, hypopnea, and snoring. Clinical research examining the correlation between nasal obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing is limited, especially in regard to patients with conditions that increase nasal resistance, such as rhinitis and sinusitis. To further identify risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing, the role of chronic and acute nasal congestion was investigated in a population-based sample. Data on nasal congestion history and sleep problems were obtained by questionnaire (n = 4927) and by objective inlaboratory measurement (n = 911). Participants who often or almost always experienced nighttime symptoms of rhinitis (5 or more nights a month) were significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to report habitual snoring (3 to 7 nights a week), chronic excessive daytime sleepiness, or chronic nonrestorative sleep than were those who rarely or never had symptoms. Habitual snorers had significantly (p < 0.02) lower air flow than nonsnorers, although a linear relation between decreased airflow and sleep-disordered breathing severity did not exist. Participants who reported nasal congestion due to allergy were 1.8 times more likely to have moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing than were those without nasal congestion due to allergy. Men and women with nasal obstruction, especially chronic nighttime symptoms of rhinitis, are significantly more likely to be habitual snorers, and a proportion also may have frequent episodes of apnea and hypopnea, indicative of severe sleep-disordered breathing. Because allergic rhinitis is a common cause of nasal obstruction and it is a modifiable risk factor, further study of this association is warranted.

Forum: Compensation, Treatment, and Research Resources

2008 GULF WAR RAC MEETINGS

GaleReid — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:00:14 GMT

If you need to leave a message with someone going to the meeting in DC, you may do so here.

Forum: Private - Administrative Issues and Member Messages (For members viewing only)

Mycoplasma and Gulf War Syndrome - 24Apr08

IGWCADMIN — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:38:44 GMT

http://weeksmd.com/?p=697

Mycoplasma and Gulf War Syndrome

Antibiotics Recommended When Indicated for

Treatment of Gulf War Illness/CFIDS/FMS

By Prof. Garth L. Nicolson

The Institute for Molecular Medicine

15162 Triton Lane, Huntington Beach,

California 92649-1041

Tel: (714) 903-2900 Fax: (714) 379-2082

e-mail: gnicimm@ix.netcom.com

Doxycycline

(AKA Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxychel, Doxy-D, Doryx)

Doxycycline is a broad spectrum tetracycline with good lipid solubility and ability to penetrate the blood-brain-barrier. This antibiotic acts by inhibiting microorganism protein synthesis, it is readily absorbed by the (normal) gut, and peak blood concentrations are maintained between 2-18 hours (half-life 18-22 hours) after an oral dose of drug. Food, calcium, magnesium and antacids reduce absorption, and alcohol, phenytoin or barbiturates reduce blood half-life.

For Gulf War Illness/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyaligia Syndrome (GWI/CFIDS/FMS) use, the recommended dose is 200-300 mg/day (oral, 2-3100 mg capsules) for each 6 week cycle of therapy. Initially, doxycycline initially exacerbates symptoms (Herxheimer reactions or adverse antibiotic responses, such as transient fever, skin, gut discomfort, etc.) but these are usually gone within 2 weeks or so. Patients usually start feeling better with alleviation of most major signs and symptoms within 2-6 weeks, but in some patients major symptoms are not alleviated until the second 6-week course. Severe reactions or prior damage to the gastrointestinal system may require I.V. administration of 100-150 mg/day (rapid I.V. administration is to be avoided) for 2-3 weeks, then the remainder of the 6 week course should be on oral antibiotic (to avoid thrombophlebitis complications which can occur with prolonged I.V. therapy). Some react to the starch filler in the capsules and must use Doryx, a granular form of doxycycline.

Virtually all patients relapse (show the same major signs and symptoms) after the end of the first and second 6-week course of therapy, and these can be run together without a pause. In a pilot study, >85% relapsed after 2 cycles, and after 5 and 6 cycles, 27% and 11%, respectively, still relapsed after discontinuing antibiotic therapy.

In some cases doxycycline has been used successfully with other antibiotics in situations where either antibiotic alone appeared to have minimal effect (for example, doxycycline in combination with Ciprofloxacin). Doxycycline is primarily bacteriostatic and effective against the following organisms: gram-negative bacteria (N. gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, Shigella species, Yersinia pestis, Brucella species, Vibrio cholera); gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes); myco plasmas (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma fermentans , Mycoplasma penetrans); others (Bacillus anthracis , Clostridium species, Chlamydia species, Actinomyces species, Entamoeba species, Treponema pallidum , Plasmodium falciparum and Borelia species).

Precautions: Avoid direct sunlight and drink fluids liberally. Doxycycline therapy may result in overgrowth of fungi or yeast and nonsensitive microorganisms (see Other Considerations). Patients on anticoagulants may require lower anticoagulant doses. Last half of pregnancy, infancy and children under 8 years are not recommended, in the latter case due to tooth discoloration, but lower doses of doxycycline have proven to be very effective in children under 8 with GWI/CFIDS (if weight 100 lbs. or less, 1-2 mg/lb. divided into two doses; if is weight over 100 lbs. use adult doses). Patients with impaired kidney function should not take doxycycline, and the following drugs should not be taken with doxycycline: methoxyflurane , carbamazepine , digoxin or diuretics.

In case of complicating bacterial infections, a 2 week course of Augmentin (3 X 500 mg/day) should be taken between courses of doxycycline or other antibiotics. For fungal and yeast complications, please see the instructions under. Other Considerations at the end of this handout.

Adverse Reactions: In a few patients doxycycline causes gastrointestinal irritation, anorexia, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, rashes, mouth dryness, hoarseness and in rare cases hypersensitivity reactions, hemolytic anemia, skin hypersensitivity and reduced white blood cell counts. In general, doxycycline is considered a safe drug, in that there are few adverse reactions reported in the literature.

Ciprofloxacin

(AKA Cipro, Cifox, Cifran, Ciloxan, Ciplox)

Ciprofloxacin is a broad spectrum synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic with good absorption characteristics. This drug acts on bacterial DNA gyrase to inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis. Ciprofloxacin is secreted rapidly in the urine and has a half-life in the blood of about 4 hours. Food delays the absorption of antibiotic (by ~2 hours) but not the total absorption; antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts reduce absorption and should not be taken at the same time of day.

For GWI/CFIDS/FMS use, the recommended dose is 1500 mg/day (for oral use, 3500 mg capsules) for each 6 week cycle of therapy. Ciprofloxacin may or may not be taken with meals. Initially, Ciprofloxacin may exacerbate some symptoms (Herxheimer reactions or adverse antibiotic responses) but these are usually gone within a week or so, and some patients report that doses of 1000 mg/day or lower are not effective in alleviating GWI/CFIDS/FMS symptoms. Patients usually start feeling better with alleviation of most major signs and symptoms within 1-4 weeks, but in some patients major symptoms are not alleviated until the second 6-week course. Ciprofloxacin has been used in patients in which doxycycline cannot be tolerated or in some patients that no longer respond to doxycycline. In a few cases Ciprofloxacin has been used simultaneously with doxycycline, but the usual course is one type of antibiotic alone.

Herxheimer reaction, if present, usually passes within a few days to 2 weeks or so; prior damage to the gastrointestinal system may require I.V. administration of 400 mg/day (over one hour per each infusion, rapid I.V. administration is to be avoided) for 2-4 weeks, then the remainder of the 6-week course should be on oral antibiotic (oral doses). Virtually all patients relapse (show the same major signs and symptoms) after the end of the first or second 6-week course of therapy. Additional cycles of antibiotic result in milder relapses after drug is discontinued. Subsequent cycles of antibiotics may require the use of doxycycline or other antibiotics instead of Ciprofloxacin.

Ciprofloxacin is effective against the following organisms: gram-negative bacteria (Shigella species, Citrobacter diversus, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterobacter species, Proteus vulgaris, Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia pestis, Vibrio cholera); gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus saprophytieus); mycoplasmas, moderately active (Mycoplasma species); others (Clostridium species, Chlamydia species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis).

Precautions: Direct sunlight is to be avoided, and patients should not take Ciprofloxacin and theophyline concurrently. Ciprofloxacin therapy may result in drug crystals in the urine in rare cases, and patients should be well hydrated to prevent concentration of urine. Pregnant women and children should not use this drug due to reduction in bone and cartilage development.

Adverse Reactions: Adverse antibiotic responses resulted in discontinuing drug in ~3.5% of patients, and such reactions included nausea (5%), diarrhea (2%), vomiting (2%) abdominal pain (1.7%), headache (1.2%) and rash (1.1%). In rare cases Ciprofloxacin may cause cardiovascular problems (<1%) and central nervous system (dizziness, insomnia, tremor, confusion, convulsions and other reactions (<1%). Small numbers of patients have experienced hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions which have required immediate emergency treatment.

Azithromycin

(AKA Zithromax)

Azithromycin is an azalide (macrolide) antibiotic with good absorption and a serum half-life of 68 hours. This class of drug acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible organisms where it interferes with protein synthesis. Food decreases absorption rate, but absorption is unaffected by antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts. For GWI/CFIDS/FMS use, the recommended dose is 500 mg/day (for oral use, 2250 mg capsules) for each 6-week cycle of therapy. Azithromycin should not be taken with meals (1 hour before or 1 hour after). Initially, azithromycin may exacerbate some symptoms but these are usually gone within a week or so. Patients usually start feeling better with alleviation of most major signs and symptoms within 1-2 weeks, but in some patients major symptoms are not alleviated until the second 6 week course. Azithromycin has been used in patients in which doxycycline cannot be tolerated or in some patients that no longer respond to doxycycline. Herxheimer reactions are rare and usually pass within a few days to a week or so. Virtually all patients relapse (show the same major signs and symptoms) after the end of the first or second 6-week course of therapy. Additional cycles of antibiotic result in milder relapses after drug is discontinued. Azithromycin has been shown to be safe for pediatric use (10 mg/kg/day is recom mended for children under 14).

Azithromycin is effective against the following organisms: gram-negative bacteria (Bordetella pertussis, Shigella species, Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia species, Yersinia pestis, Brucella species, Vibrio cholera); gram-positive bacteria (Streptococci group C, F, G); mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma species); others (Clostridium species, Treponema pallidum , and Borelia sp.).

Precautions: Azithromycin is principally absorbed by the liver, and caution should be exercised with patients with impaired liver function. Antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts should not be taken at the same time of day with azithromycin. Macrolides and terfenadine (Seldane) or astemizole (Hismaral) may dangerously elevate plasma antihistamine and cause arrhythmias and increase serum theophyline levels in some patients, particularly those receiving methylated xanthine causing nausea, vomiting, seizures. Plasma levels of carbamazepine (Tegretol) can also be elevated, leading to carbamazepine toxicity and nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and ataxia.

Adverse Reactions: Adverse antibiotic responses were mild to moderate in clinical trials and included diarrhea (5%), nausea (3%), abdominal pain (3%). In rare cases (<1%) azithromycin may cause cardiovascular problems (palpitations, tachycardia, chest pain) and central nervous system (dizziness, headache, vertigo), allergic (rash, photosensitivity, angioderma), fatigue and other reactions (<1%). In pediatric patients >80% of the adverse responses were gastrointestinal.

Clarithromycin

(AKA Biaxin)

Clarithromycin is a broad spectrum macrolide antibiotic with good absorption and serum half-life. This class of drug acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible organisms and interfering with protein synthesis. The drug is mostly bacteriostatic but high concentrations can be bactericidal. Food decreases absorption rate, but absorption is unaffected by antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts.

The recommended dose is 500-750 mg/day (for oral use, 2-3250 mg capsules) for each 6-week cycle of therapy. Clarithromycin should not be taken with meals (1 hour before or 1 hour after). Initially, Clarithromycin may exacerbate some symptoms due to Herxheimer reaction and bacterial death but these are usually gone within a week or so.

Patients usually start feeling better with alleviation of most major signs and symptoms within 1-2 weeks, but in some patients major symptoms are not alleviated until the second 6-week course. Clarithromycin has been used in patients that do not respond to doxycycline or in patients that cannot tolerate doxycycline. Herxheimer reactions usually pass within a few days to over a week or so. Virtually all patients relapse (show the same major signs and symptoms) after the end of the first or second 6-week course of therapy. Additional cycles of antibiotic result in milder relapses after drug is discontinued.

Clarithromycin is effective against the following organisms: gram-negative bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, N. meningitides, Moraxella catarrhalis, Campylobacter jejuni, Eikenella corrodens, Haemophilus ducreyi, Bordetella pertussis, Shigella species, Salmonella species, Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia species, Yersinia pestis, Brucella species, Vibrio cholera, Aeromonos species, E. coli, gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumeniae, anerobic Streptococci, Enterococcus faccalis, Staphlococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diptheriae, C. minutissimum, Listeria monocytogenes, Actinomyces israelii); mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma species, M. pneumoniae, Ureaplasma urealyticum); others (Clostridium species, Treponema pallidum , Legionella pneumophilia, L. micdadei, Mycobacterium avium, M. chelonae, M. chelonae absessus, M. fortuitim, Rickettsia species and Borrelia species). Yeasts, fungi and viruses are resistant.

Precautions: Clarithromycin is principally absorbed by the liver, and caution should be exercised with patients with impaired liver function. Antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or other salts should not be taken at the same of day as azithromycin. Macrolides and terfenadine (Seldane) or astemizole (Hismaral) may dangerously elevate plasma antihistamine and cause arrhythmias and increase serum theophyline levels in some patients, particularly those receiving methylated xanthine causing nausea, vomiting, seizures. Plasma levels of carbamazepine (Tegretol) can also be elevated, leading to carbamazepine toxicity and nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and ataxia. Macrolides should not be used with cyclosporin (Sandimmune).

Adverse Reactions: Adverse antibiotic responses were mild to moderate in clinical trials and included diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases (<1%) azithromycin may cause cardiovascular problems (palpitations, tachycardia, chest pain) and central nervous system (dizziness, headache, vertigo), allergic (rash, photosensitivity, angioderma) and fatigue.

Other Information

(see Additional Considerations)

GWI/CFIDS/FMS patients are often low in vitamins (B, C and E) and minerals. Sublingual (under the tongue) natural B-complex vitamins (Total B, Real Life Research, Norwalk, CA) can be ordered from Vitamin Park (Irvine, CA). General vitamins plus extra C and E and general mineral supplements are also useful, but not at the same time of day that antibiotics are taken because minerals can affect the absorption of the antibiotics. Selenium and magnesium are two of the minerals that are low in GWI/CFIDS/FMS patients. Some have recommend 300-500 mg/day sodium selenite for a few days, followed by lower maintenance doses. Some zinc supplementation is recommended. L- cysteine supplementation has been proposed but should not be taken at the same time as minerals.

Antibiotics can result in yeast overgrowth, especially in female patients. Gynecologists recommend Nizoral, Diflucan, Mycelex, or anti-yeast creams for women on antibiotics. In some cases, simultaneous use of metronidazole (Flagyl, Prostat) have been used to prevent fungal and parasite overgrowth or antifungals (Nystatin, Amphotericin B, Fluconazole) have been administered for fungal infections that can occur while on antibiotics. To replace bacteria in the gastrointestinal system yogurt, Lactobacillus acidophillus tablets are recommended. In some patients organic food has been beneficial. Caffeine should be avoided. On page 1 are instructions for suppressing bacterial overgrowth (if necessary) in between cycles of antibiotics with a 2 week course of Augmentin (3 X 500 mg/day). Augmentin can be taken concurrently with the other antibiotics, if necessary.

A number of natural remedies, such as ginseng root, whole lemon/olive oil drink or an extract of olive leaves with antioxidants (Eden or Immunoscreen of Covina, CA), and a mixture of herbals and vitamins (Nu-Life Formula, Sophista-Care of Indian Wells, CA) have been used to boost immune systems. Although these products appear to help CFIDS/FM patients, their effectiveness in GWI/CFIDS/FM patients has not been examined. They appear to be useful after antibiotic therapy.

Finally, GWI/CFIDS/FMS patients should not smoke and not drink alcohol, caffeinated products or eat refined sugar, and they should avoid pollutant exposure, especially those who are chemically sensitive. Flying, excessive exercise and lack of sleep can make signs/symptoms worse; some exercise (dont over do it!) and dry saunas help rid the system of contaminating chemicals.

_____________

Additional Considerations when Undergoing

Treatment for Gulf War Illness/CFS/FMS

By Prof. Garth L. Nicolson

The Institute for Molecular Medicine

15162 Triton Lane, Huntington Beach,

California 92649-1041 Tel: (714) 903-2900

Fax: (714) 379-2082

e-mail: gnicimm@ix.netcom.com

There are a number of considerations that should be taken into account when undergoing therapy for Gulf War Illness/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyaligia . A few are mentioned below, and some product examples are given. The Institute for Molecular Medicine is a nonprofit institution and does not endorse commercial products. The products mentioned below are only examples of the types of substances that could be beneficial to patients. Consult with your physician.

Antibiotic Therapy for Associated Chronic Infections

Please consult Antibiotics Recommended When Indicated for Treatment of Gulf War Illness/CFS/ FMS for general information. We are finding that subsets of GWI (~45%) and FMS/CFS (~60%) patients have chronic mycoplasmal infections, and probably other chronic infections as well. We usually recommend to physicians that antibiotics (doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, Biaxin, minocycline, azithromycin) be given for several 6 week cycles with 2 week cycles of Augmentin in between or concurrently, if needed. To overcome Herxheimer reactions or die-off that cause chills, low grade fever, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pain, short term memory loss and fatigue) or adverse responses, IV antibiotics have been used, and a whole lemon/olive drink is useful (1 blended whole lemon, 1 cup fruit juice, 1 TBS olive oilstrain and drink liquid). This period usually passes within 1-2 weeks. During recovery, which is often slow and can take over a year with ups and downs in your condition, a number of additional nutritional and immune problems must be considered.

General Nutritional Considerations

GWI/CFS /FMS patients are often immunosuppressed and could be susceptible to a variety of opportunistic infections, so proper nutrition and exercise are important. GWI/CFS/FMS patients should not smoke or drink alcohol or caffeinated products. Drink as much fresh fluids as you can, lots of fruit juices or pure water are best. Try to avoid high sugar and fat foods, such as military (MRE) or other fast foods and acid-forming, allergen-prone and stressing foods or junk foods. Increase your intake of fresh vegetables, fruits and grains, and decrease your intake of fats and eliminate simple or refined sugars that can suppress your immune system. To build up your immune system cruciferous vegetables, soluble fiber foods, such as prunes and bran, wheat germ, yogurt, fish and whole grains are useful. In some patients exclusive use of organic foods have been beneficial.

Vitamins and Minerals

GWI/CFS/FM patients are often depleted in vitamins (especially B, C and E) and certain minerals. Unfortunately, illnesses like GWI result in poor absorption. Therefore, high doses of some vitamins must be used, and the gut (oral capsules) cannot easily absorb others, such as vitamin B complex. Sublingual (under the tongue) natural B-complex vitamins in small capsules or liquids (such as Total B, Real Life Research, Norwalk, CA, 310-926-5522) should be used instead of oral capsules that are swallowed. General vitamins plus extra C, E, CoQ-10, beta-carotene, folic acid, bioflavoids and biotin are best. L-cysteine, L-tyrosine, L-carnitine and malic acid are reported by some to be useful. Certain minerals are also often depleted in GWI/CFS/FMS patients, such as zinc, magnesium, chromium and selenium. Some recommend doses as high as 300-mg/day-sodium selenite for a few days, followed by lower maintenance doses. Minerals should not be taken at the same time of day that antibiotics are taken because the minerals can affect the absorption of certain antibiotics.

Replacement of Natural Gut Flora

GWI/CFS/FMS patients are often undergoing treatment with antibiotics and other substances that can destroy the normal gut flora. Antibiotic use that depletes normal gut bacteria and can result in over-growth of less desirable bacteria. To supplement bacteria in the gastrointestinal system yogurt and especially Lactobacillus acidophillus tablets are recommended. One product is a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophillus, Lactobacillus bifidus and FOS (fructoologosaccharides) to promote growth of these friendly bacteria in the gut (example, DDS-Plusor Multi-Flora ABF, UAS Labs of Minnetonka, MN, 800-422-3371). L. acidophillus should be taken daily to restore gut flora. A human bowel culture, Replete (Interplex) has proven useful to restore natural gut flora.

Natural Immunoenhancers or Immunomodulators

A number of natural remedies, such as ginseng root, herbal teas, whole lemon/olive extract drink or an extract of olive leaves with antioxidants are available and are potentially useful, especially during or after antibiotic therapy has been completed. Some examples are botanical mixtures, such as Eden, Echinacea-C (NF Formulas, 800-547-4891), Super-Immunotone (Phyto Pharmica, 800-553-2370), olive leaf extract (Immunoscreen of Covina, CA, 818-966-1610), NSC-100 (Nutritional Supply, Carson City, NV, 888-246-7224), a mixture of herbals and vitamins (Nu-Life Formula, Sophista-Care, Indian Wells, CA, 760-837-1908) or Super Defense Plus (BioDefense Nutritionals, Grand Terrace, CA, 800-669-9205). These have been used to boost immune systems. Although these products appear to help some CFS/FMS patients, their clinical effectiveness in GWI/CFS/FMS patients has not been evaluated. They appear to be useful during therapy to boost the immune system or after antibiotic therapy in a maintenance program to prevent relapse of illness.

Yeast/Fungal or Bacterial Overgrowth

Yeast overgrowth can occur, especially in female patients (vaginal infections). Gynecologists recommend Nizoral, Diflucan, Mycelex, or anti-yeast creams for women on antibiotics. In some cases, use of metronidazole (Flagyl, Prostat) have been used to prevent fungal or parasite overgrowth or other antifungals (Nystatin, Amphotericin B, Fluconazole, Diflucan) have been administered for fungal infections that can occur while on antibiotics. As described above, L. acidophillus should be taken daily to restore gut flora. Bacterial overgrowth can also occur, for example, in between cycles of antibiotics or after antibiotics have been stopped. This can be controlled with 2-week courses of Augmentin (3 X 500 mg/day) in between cycles or concurrent with other antibiotics.

Flying and Exercise

Flying, especially in unpressurized aircraft, excessive exercise and lack of sleep can make GWI/CFS/FMS signs/symptoms worse. Some exercise (Please dont over do it! A common problem when recovering from this illness is over-exertion followed by relapse!) is useful and even necessary for recovery. The main problem here is to adjust your exercise level to help the recovery process without causing a relapse. Dry saunas help rid the system of contaminating chemicals, and saunas should be taken at least 3-5X per weekmoderate exercise, followed by 15-20 min of dry sauna and tepid shower. The sauna can be repeated, by not more than two per day. The idea is to raise body temperature enough to work up a good sweat, eliminating chemicals without placing too much stress on your system. During exercise GWI/CFS/FMS patients should always try to avoid pollutant and allergen exposures. For recovery after exercise and to decrease muscle soreness, some use a Jacuzzi or hot tub, but only after a sufficient cool-down period. Dont get overheated in the process.

Forum: Compensation, Treatment, and Research Resources

United Female Veterans of America, Inc.

IGWCADMIN — Thur, 28 Feb 2008 10:20:12 GMT

From: jackpot29@msn.com

THIS IS AN OPEN INVITATION TO ALL TO ATTEND THE FIRST CONVENTION OF THE UNITED FEMALE VETERANS OF AMERICA AT THE ST LOUIS MARRIOTT WEST ST LOUIS MISSOURI. JUNE 26 TO JUN 29. DETAILS ARE IN THE LINK BELOW.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PASS THIS ALONG. ANYONE WHO WISHES TO SEND A COPY OF PHOTOS TO ME TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE CONVENTION AND AT THE END WE WILL DONATE THEM TO THE WOMEN'S MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON DC.

UFVA IS WORKING ON GUEST SPEAKERS AND COORDINATING WITH VETERANS GROUPS TO DISPLAY MATERIALS FROM THEM.

PLEASE SUBMITT YOUR IDEAS AND WISHES TO ME AT

AGNES M "IRISH" BRESNAHAN

US ARMY CAPTAIN SIG C 10 SEP 1971 TO 10 JUN 1977

10 MARBLEHEAD ROAD WINDHAM NH 03087

LIFETIME MEMBER UNFVA DAV VVA AND AMERICAN LEGION

http://www.ufva.us/

AGNES M "IRISH" BRESNAHAN

Forum: SHARED IGWC ORGANIZATIONAL EMAILS

Current Clinical Trials and Research

IGWCADMIN — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:59:23 GMT

Email forwarded by DSNurse. --Gale

Sleep Disordered Breathing in Gulf War Syndrome Veterans and the Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment

This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified by Department of Veterans Affairs May 2007

Sponsored by:	Department of Veterans Affairs
Information provided by:	Department of Veterans Affairs
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:	NCT00252629

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine any sleep disordered breathing in veterans with Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and compare it to healthy normal asymptomatic Gulf War veterans. This study will also determine the effect of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure on veterans with Gulf War Syndrome.

The investigators hypothesize that sleep complaints (insomnia, un-refreshing sleep and daytime fatigue) among GWS patients are related to increased sleep fragmentation in GWS patients.
The investigators hypothesize that increased collapsibility of the upper airway during sleep with the development of inspiratory flow limitation (IFL) causes the increased sleep fragmentation in GWS patients.
The investigators hypothesize that correction of IFL in GWS patients will result in an improvement of their sleep quality resulting in an improvement of their sleep complaints and other functional symptoms.

Condition	Intervention
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Apnea, Sleep	Procedure: CPAP treatment

Study Type: Interventional
Study Design: Treatment, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Control, Factorial Assignment, Efficacy Study

Official Title: Inspiratory Flow Dynamics During Sleep in Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and the Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Further study details as provided by Department of Veterans Affairs:

Primary Outcome Measures:

Objective 1: The arousal indices and sleep stage shifts (mean + standard deviation ) reported for GWS patients and GW normals
Objective 2: The prevalence of flow limited breaths during sleep in GWS patients
Objective 3: The assumption that the investigators will observe a 50% decrease in fatigue and sleep problems and a 45% decrease in pain in patients with GWS (from their preliminary GWS patients pilot study)
the postulated placebo response is a 10% decrease.

Total Enrollment: 44

Expected completion: October 2008

Hypothesis 1: To demonstrate that compared to Gulf War Veterans without GWS, GWS patients have decreased total sleep and increased sleep fragmentation

In order to accomplish this goal and subsequent goals, we will assemble two samples of Gulf War veterans. The first will be a sample of male GWS patients and the second will be a sample of male Gulf War veterans without GWS (Gulf War veteran control group). All of the GWS patients will be registered in the Gulf War Veterans Registry. To avoid referral bias favoring the presence of IFL during sleep, we will enroll GWS patients by contacting them from the Registry and inviting them to participate. Gulf War veteran controls will be recruited in the same way and by advertisement. Prospective study participants will be screened on several self-report instruments to determine eligibility and assignment to the GWS group or to the Gulf War veteran control group. Criteria for assignment to the GWS group are scores above the designated clinical cutpoint on each of three instruments measuring cognitive difficulties, pain, and fatigue. Conversely, criteria for assignment to the GW Veteran control group will require scores in the non-clinical range on each of those instruments. Every subject will have a full night polysomnogram.

Hypothesis 2: To demonstrate that the presence of IFL during sleep among GWS patients distinguishes them from Gulf War veterans without GWS

A second sleep study will be used to accomplish this second objective. Using precise methods, we will quantify the prevalence of IFL during sleep in GWS patients and in Gulf War veteran controls. Following completion, each study will be staged using Rechtschaffen and Kales criteria. From each study, 3 three minute periods of continuous NREM sleep (a total of approximately 120 breaths) will be randomly selected and analyzed for the prevalence of flow limited breaths. During the three minute periods, all of the breaths will be analyzed whether they occur during sleep or during brief (< 15 second) arousals.

Hypothesis 3: To demonstrate that relief of IFL during sleep will result in improvement of the functional symptoms of GWS patients

We will accomplish this utilizing a double blind, placebo-controlled trial of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in GWS patients. Functional symptoms will be assessed using validated, self-report questionnaires and daily ratings of symptoms with an electronic diary.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study: 32 Years - 52 Years, Genders Eligible for Study: Male

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

First Gulf War veterans with and without the syndrome
Males
Between 32 and 52 years of age
No history of current alcoholism nor opiate use
No history of current active depression nor post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Exclusion Criteria:

Females
History of active alcoholism or opiate drug use
History of active depression and PTSD

Location and Contact Information

Please refer to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00252629

Mohammad Amin, MD 631-261-4400 Ext. 2469 mohammad.amin2@med.va.gov
Pamela Jannello 631-261-4400 Ext. 2475 pamela.jannello@med.va.gov

United States, New York
VAMC - Northport, NY, Northport, New York, 11768, United States; Recruiting

Anne Whelton, BA 631-261-4400 Ext. 2865 anne.whelton@med.va.gov
Dorothy Baker, BA 631-261-4400 Ext. 2850 dorothy.baker@med.va.gov
Mohammad Amin, MD, Principal Investigator

Study chairs or principal investigators

Mohammad Amin, MD, Principal Investigator, VAMC - Northport, NY

More Information

Publications

Self-reported illness and health status among Gulf War veterans. A population-based study. The Iowa Persian Gulf Study Group. JAMA. 1997 Jan 15;277(3):238-45.

Barrett DH, Gray GC, Doebbeling BN, Clauw DJ, Reeves WC. Prevalence of symptoms and symptom-based conditions among Gulf War veterans: current status of research findings. Epidemiol Rev. 2002;24(2):218-27. Review. No abstract available.

Study ID Numbers: RCD-001-05S
Last Updated: May 15, 2007
Record first received: November 9, 2005
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00252629
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on October 04, 2007

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Forum: Compensation, Treatment, and Research Resources

Charles Kelley - Congressman Filner meeting to your attention

IGWCADMIN — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:02:21 GMT

Email forwarded by: Sp5kelley2nd94th@aol.com

Congressman Filner meeting to your attention

Any of you that can go to Senator Patty Murrays website or Senator Bernie Sanders website that live in those states; please go to those DC links or call them is better and tell them about our meeting with Congressman Filner on the 28th at 13:00 hours, room 335, this Friday. I cannot do this, as I have to have an address in those states.

I have been listening to the Gulf War Senate Hearings and those two blasted the DoD/VA. Our data we are presenting, even though the meeting is only an hour, has much data as to how these same folks have denied and denied our toxic chemical legacy in many issues.

It also finally came out that DOD/VA testimony and submitted data comes from these scientists but has to be cleared by the White House OMB.

Are we hearing scientific facts or White House political spin?

Please tell your respective senators, Sanders and Murray to call Congressman Filners office and ask for Kim in Congressman Filners office to tell her they are coming. 202-225-8045

Thanks,

Kelley

Forum: Legislative/Legal Matters