In a recent pilot study, stimulation of the vagus nerve significantly eased inflammation and intractable pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, pointing the way to further study of this new treatment.
The vagus nerve is a pathway for inflammatory responses that can contribute to RA exacerbation and discomfort. University of Michigan researchers sought to test whether electrical stimulation could help. Fourteen study participants received an implanted miniaturized neurostimulator, and were randomized to three groups: stimulated once daily, four times daily and placebo, for 12 weeks. Those in the once daily stimulation group fared best, with two-thirds of that group having responses that met good or moderate response criteria developed by the European League Against Rheumatism, along with other encouraging measures.
“Our pilot study suggests this novel MicroRegulator device is well tolerated and reduces signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis,” said lead author Mark Genovese, M.D., of Stanford University. “These data support the study of this device in a larger placebo-controlled study as a novel treatment approach for rheumatoid arthritis and possibly other chronic inflammatory diseases.”
