Major reproductive health characteristics in male Gulf War Veterans. The Danish Gulf War Study.

INTRODUCTION

The male reproductive system could have been affected by various hazardous agents and exposures during and in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War scenario. We tested the hypothesis that, compared to controls, male Danish Gulf War Veterans would have adverse sex hormone levels, decreased fertility, and a larger proportion of adverse pregnancy outcomes including spontaneous abortions, congenital diseases and malformations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed during the period January 1997 to January 1998 which included 661 male subjects who had been deployed in the Persian Gulf within the period August 2 1990 until December 31 1997. A control group of 215 Danish military men, not deployed in the Gulf region, was selected with random matching by age and type of work. All participants underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations, and had an interview based on a previously completed comprehensive questionnaire. A venous blood sample was drawn to determine serum concentrations of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, serum hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and inhibin B. The free androgen index was calculated from testosterone and SHBG levels.

RESULTS

No differences were found between Gulf War Veterans and controls with respect to any of the reproductive hormones measured, nor with respect to fertility or the prevalence of spontaneous abortions, congenital diseases or malformations among the offspring. Also cohabitational characteristics were similar.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study we conclude that the biological reproductive health of male Danish Gulf War Veterans seemed to be unaffected by their engagement in the post war peace-keeping mission.