Activation of the coagulation system in Gulf War Illness: a potential pathophysiologic link with chronic fatigue syndrome - A laboratory approach to diagnosis

Most symptoms of Gulf War Illness (GWI) are similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CPS) and/or Fibromyalgia (FM). We investigated whether these symptoms are associated with an activated coagulation system as has been reported in some cases of CFS/FM. The coagulation assays include activation markers of the cascade, platelet activation and hereditary risk factors. Our findings show activation of the coagulation system in GWI. This evidence of a hypercoagulable state suggests that symptoms may be due to poor blood flow and, therefore, a basis for the potential utility of anticoagulant therapy. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 11:673-678 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.