Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation is Associated with Lower Mechanical Ventilation and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

Nemechek P,Antonelli G,Braida A

doi:10.16966/2473-1846.165

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in preventing respiratory failure and improving survival in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Highlights

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) pandemic continues and thousands of individuals die daily from COVID-19 worldwide, a more effective therapeutic option is essential
Often referred to as Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), this storm is due to the release of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), chemokines by respiratory epithelial, dendritic cells, and macrophages
This is an open-label, observational trial designed to see if taVNS stimulation was safe and might improve clinical outcomes for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia

Summary

Introduction

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) pandemic continues and thousands of individuals die daily from COVID-19 worldwide, a more effective therapeutic option is essential. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by a dramatic cytokine storm in some patients with COVID-19 [1]. Boezaart AP, et al, published a case report of two individuals with COVID-19 who both experienced significant reductions in IL-6 and CRP levels using 60 minutes of taVNS per day. Both individuals had COVID-19 pneumonia and were essentially free of respiratory symptoms by the end of the treatment course (16 and 18 days) with taVNS [2]. Staats P, et al reported on the clinical improvement in two individuals with SARS-CoV-2 respiratory symptoms [3]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion