Accession Number:

AD1093172

Title:

Characterizing Treatable Causes of Small-Fiber Polyneuropathy in Gulf War Veterans

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Final Report]

Corporate Author:

Massachusetts General Hospital

Personal Author(s):

• Oaklander, Anne L.
• Klein, Max M.

Report Date:

2018-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

50

Abstract:

Damage to the small nerve fibers that sense pain and regulate function of internal organs results in small-fiber polyneuropathy SFN. SFPN symptoms include unexplained chronic widespread pain CWP and chronic multisymptom illness CMI similar to Gulf War Illness. Our prior research demonstrated that SFPN is prevalent in such CWP and CMI syndromes and that it can have onset at a young age. Given these non-specific symptoms, objective testing is recommended for SFPN diagnosis. In the third year of this study Global experts participated in additional rounds of a Delphi process to determine the most reliable markers for SFPN Case Definition. We also developed a comprehensive database of SFPN patients and well characterized controls with which to validate the Case Definition. The diagnostic tests recommended under the Case Definition were applied to Veterans and age-matched controls to look for the prevalence of SFPN.

Descriptors:

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]