Fatigue, autonomic dysfunction and immune dysregulation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Dissecting the tripartile relationship of fatigue, autonomic dysfunction and immune dysregulation
IRAS ID
209721
Contact name
Wan-Fai Ng
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Fatigue is a common and disabling problem in many chronic rheumatic conditions, but the underlying causes of fatigue are unclear and no effective treatment is available. Subtle abnormalities in the immune system are frequently observed among fatigued patients regardless of the underlying condition. Inhibition of inflammation can dramatically improve fatigue in some patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases but not others. We have recently shown that patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome often complains of symptoms that may indicate subtle abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system (the nervous system that control our involuntarily bodily function such as heat beats, blood pressure), and these symptoms are more common is those with and more fatigue. These observations suggest that autonomic nervous system may contribute to fatigue directly or indirectly via modulating the immune system. In this study, we will examine the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (with a non-invasive, hand-held device) on fatigue as well as immune responses. Data generated from this study will improve our understanding of the relationships between the autonomic nervous system, the immune system and fatigue. It may also help us to develop new treatment for fatigue.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0306
Date of REC Opinion
10 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion