Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Fatigue in Systemic Lupus (NCT07256067) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Fatigue in Systemic Lupus
Egypt50 participantsStarted 2025-08-01
Plain-language summary
50female patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus according to the 2010 Revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Their age will range from 35 to 55 years. The participants will be selected from one major healthcare institutions: Al Kaser Al Ayni Teaching hospital, will be randomly equally distributed into two groups.
Group A :(Treatment Group):
This group includes 25 patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus according to the 2010 Revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR),and will receive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), combined with aerobic exercise alongside medical treatment. Patients will receive 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, the time of session is 45 - 60 min according to patient ability.
Group B :( Control Group) This group includes 25 patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus according to the 2010 Revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR)and will receive sham transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) using the same device and electrode placement. They will also perform the same 40-minute aerobic exercise program alongside medical treatment. Patients will receive 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks.
Who can participate
Age range
35 Years – 55 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 35 to 55 years
* Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) based on the 2010 Revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or SLICC classification criteria.
* Self-reported pain score of ≥4 on a 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
* Receiving stable doses of Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), biological therapy, and/or prednisone ≤10 mg/day, with no changes in dose within 28 days prior to baseline.
* They have been referred by a rheumatologist.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosis of fibromyalgia or any other overlapping chronic pain syndrome.
* Use of pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), or other electronic implants.
* Current pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* History of epilepsy or seizure disorders.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.