Effectiveness of Electrical Neurostimulation in Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.

Overview

We hypothesize that 1) Neurostimulation via a novel auricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS) device is a safe, non-invasive opioid-sparing alternative therapy for severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting associated with CVS and will reduce the need for opioids. We also hypothesize that 2) PENFS reduces the length of stay (LOS), and improves patient satisfaction. We propose the following specific aim: Aim 1. Investigate the efficacy of PENFS compared to a sham in patients with CVS seen in the ED or in the clinic or hospitalized with an acute CVS episode. Objectives: 1. Demonstrate reduction in abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting using validated tools. 2. Obviate or reduce the need for opioids. 3. Reduce the length of hospital stay and improve patient satisfaction. This approach will specifically address the current opioid problem using a novel, non-invasive neurostimulation therapy with proven efficacy for opioid withdrawal. Long-term, it may improve health care outcomes and significantly reduce overall health care costs.

Opioid use in CVS and the critical need for opioid sparing therapy Given the lack of knowledge about pathophysiology and evidence-based therapies, patients are often hospitalized to treat symptoms of CVS. During an episode, patients present with severe vomiting and abdominal pain and are treated empirically with IV fluids, antiemetics, benzodiazepines, and opioids. Estimates of opioid use range from 23%-27% in adults with CVS. Patients are often dissatisfied with the level of analgesia as recurrent opioid use results in tolerance and dependence. This often undermines the physician-patient relationship and patients even leave against medical advice out of frustration with what they perceive as ineffective care. This can lead to worse outcomes including recurrent hospitalizations, morbidity and increased health care costs. Preliminary data from a study by our group reveals that of 101 patients hospitalized with CVS at Froedtert Hospital, chronic opioid therapy is associated with a two-fold increased risk of hospitalization (RR 2.22, CI 1.1-4.4, P=0.02) and three-fold increase in hospital length of stay (LOS) (RR 3.43, CI 1.26-9.34, P=0.01). In a study of 132 CVS patients, opioid use was associated with non-response to amitriptyline (53% vs 15%, p\<0.05), a prophylactic therapy used in CVS. This in turn was associated with increased frequency and duration of CVS episodes per year and increased number of hospitalizations/emergency department (ED) visits at baseline (18% vs 15.2%, p\<0.05). Hence there is an urgent need for an opioid-sparing, non-invasive strategy to treat CVS symptoms. In summary, CVS is common and disabling and is associated with significant health care costs. Our proposed project using a novel, non-invasive device to treat CVS will also address the current opioid crisis.