Using brain stimulation to help COVID-19 patients with autoimmune diseases
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Post-Acute COVID-19 Patients With Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help COVID-19 patients with autoimmune diseases feel better by reducing their fatigue and pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Sao Paulo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (São Paulo) |
| Trial ID | NCT04890483 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) who are experiencing persistent symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. The focus is on alleviating symptoms such as fatigue and general pain, which are common in both post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and SARDs. The study aims to determine if tDCS can provide relief for these patients, as there have been no prior evaluations of this technique in this specific population. Participants will receive tDCS treatment in a controlled setting to assess its effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with well-defined autoimmune rheumatic diseases who are experiencing fatigue or general pains following COVID-19.
Not a fit: Patients with neoplasia, those using heart pacemakers, or individuals with a history of seizures may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from post-acute COVID-19 symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While tDCS has been used in the general population for symptom relief, this specific application in ARD patients with post-acute COVID-19 is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with well-defined ARDs (rheumatoid arthritis, sclerosis systemic, Sjögren syndrome, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic vasculitis, and systemic autoimmune myopathies) * Fatigue or general pains. Exclusion Criteria: * Neoplasia, using heart pacemarker, using visceral metalic clips, infections (HIV, HTLV-1, hepatitis), pregnance, previous historical of convulsions or epilepsies
Where this trial is running
São Paulo
- Samuel K Shinjo — São Paulo, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Samuel K Shinjo, PhD — Sao Paulo University
- Study coordinator: Samuel K Shinjo, PhD
- Email: samuel.shinjo@usp.br
- Phone: 551130617176
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.