AB1170 TRANSCUTANEOUS VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION AS A PAIN MODULATOR IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Background We no longer consider Osteoarthritis (OA) as a degenerative disease, but rather multifactorial disorder in which low grade, chronic inflammation has central role. In addition, evidence points to the presence of both peripheral and nervous system sensitization sources pain OA. Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) shown efficacy on pain, other conditions such fibromyalgia, pelvic headaches therefore we hypothesized that tVNS could be an additional line management for knee Objectives To assess safety nociceptive sensitization, neuropathic depression, anxiety, physical function individuals with Methods Afferents auricular branch vagus nerve were stimulated using electrode connected transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) device. conducted 30 minutes session once day 3 days per week 12 weeks. Sixty-eight patients OA allocated randomly into active sham group (34 each group). The outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure threshold (PPT), PainDETECT Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaires, hospital anxiety depression (HADS), injury osteoarthritis score (KOOS). These assessed at baseline, end period then after weeks later. Results There was significant improvement VAS between baseline first follow-up visit, second visit (P <0.001). median 4.0 (3.0 – 5.0) versus 1.0 (1.0 2.0) (p PPT right knee, left elbow significantly improved compared maintained till 4-weeks post-intervention. On hand, tVNS, not maintained. DN4 questionnaires statistically contrast, questionnaire showed all follow up group. A HADS immediately post intervention <0.001), this only intervention. Regarding functional outcomes, KOOS (31.44 ± 18.49, p > 0.001). No serious adverse events reported study groups. Conclusion This provides preliminary beneficial effects raises possibility neuromodulation add-on treatment existing pharmacological non-pharmacological measures. REFERENCES: NIL. Acknowledgements: Disclosure Interests None Declared.