Military medicine
-
Gulf War Illness (GWI) currently has no known cure and affects soldiers deployed during the Persian Gulf War. It is thought to originate from exposure to neurotoxicants combined with battlefield stress, and previous research indicates that treatment first involves inhibition of interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, followed by the glucocorticoid receptor. However, the off-target effects of pharmaceuticals hinder development of a drug treatment therapy. ⋯ Development of a drug treatment therapy for GWI is threatened by the tight interplay between the immune and hormonal systems, often leading to drug interactions. Increasing knowledge of these interactions can lead to break-through therapies.
-
Current pharmacological treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have limited efficacy. Although the diagnosis is based on psychopathological criteria, it is frequently accompanied by somatic comorbidities and perhaps "accelerated biological aging," suggesting widespread physical concomitants. Such physiological comorbidities may affect core PTSD symptoms but are rarely the focus of therapeutic trials. ⋯ Systemic pathologies that are intricately involved in brain functioning and behavior may not only contribute to somatic comorbidities in PTSD, but may represent novel targets for treating core psychiatric symptoms.
-
The role of the Emergency Medicine (EM) physician in the U.S. military continues to expand, and current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education general training requirements do not optimally prepare military EM graduates to be successful in postresidency operational assignments. To address this gap, the Naval Medical Center San Diego EM residency program introduced a Military Unique Curriculum (MUC) culminating in a capstone event, the Joint Emergency Medicine Exercise (JEMX). ⋯ An integrated MUC with a capstone exercise, such as our JEMX, provides a feasible and effective educational experience that improves operational readiness of graduating EM residents.
-
Prompt and effective combat casualty care is essential for decreasing morbidity and mortality during military operations. Similarly, accurate documentation of injuries and treatments enables quality care, both in the immediate postinjury phase and the longer-term recovery. This article describes efforts to prototype a Military Medic Smartphone (MMS) for use by combat medics and other health care providers who work in austere environments. ⋯ The widespread deployment of this type of device will enable more effective health care, limit the impact of battlefield injuries, and save lives.
-
Over the past three decades, a growing research base has emerged around the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the biological, psychological, social, and relational health and development of children and adults. More recently, the role of ACEs has been researched with military service members. The purpose of this article was to provide a brief description of ACEs and an overview of the key tenets of the theory of toxic stress as well as a snapshot of ACEs and protective and compensatory experiences (PACEs) research with active duty personnel. ⋯ The contrast by rank and sex in relation to ACEs punctuates the need for attention to ACEs and protective factors among early career service members in order to promote sustainable careers in the military.