Neuroplastic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Painful Symptoms Reduction in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Phase II Randomized, Double Blind, Sham Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Neuroscience
Aline P BrietzkeWolnei Caumo

Abstract

Pegylated Interferon Alpha (Peg-IFN) in combination with other drugs is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) and is related to severe painful symptoms. The aim of this study was access the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in controlling the painful symptoms related to Peg-IFN side effects. In this phase II double-blind trial, twenty eight (n = 28) HCV subjects were randomized to receive either 5 consecutive days of active tDCS (n = 14) or sham (n = 14) during 5 consecutive days with anodal stimulation over the primary motor cortex region using 2 mA for 20 min. The primary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) pain and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels. Secondary outcomes were the pressure-pain threshold (PPT), the Brazilian Profile of Chronic Pain: Screen (B-PCP:S), and drug analgesics use. tDCS reduced the VAS scores (P < 0.003), with a mean pain drop of 56% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, tDCS was able to enhance BDNF levels (p < 0.01). The mean increase was 37.48% in the active group. Finally, tDCS raised PPT (p < 0.001) and reduced the B-PCP:S scores and analgesic use (p < 0.05). Five sessions of tDCS were effective in reducing the painful symptoms in HCV...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jul 30, 2016·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience·Wolnei CaumoFelipe Fregni
Mar 17, 2018·The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·Neil E O'ConnellBenedict M Wand
Apr 14, 2018·The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·Neil E O'ConnellBenedict M Wand
Oct 31, 2018·Scientific Reports·Edson Silva-FilhoRodrigo Pegado
Nov 25, 2016·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience·Anthony T O'BrienAntoni Valero-Cabré
Apr 30, 2017·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience·Fatemeh YavariHamed Ekhtiari
Jun 6, 2018·Frontiers in Neuroscience·Andrea CancelliFranca Tecchio

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
Enzyme-Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay

Software Mentioned

SPSS
Isi
Scopus
Web

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