Author: Tran MT1, Skovbjerg S1, Arendt-Nielsen L2, Christensen KB3, Elberling J1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>1Department of Dermatology and Allergology,Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte,Hellerup,Denmark.
<sup>2</sup>2Department of Health Science and Technology,Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction,Aalborg University,Aalborg,Denmark.
<sup>3</sup>3Department of Public Health,Section of Biostatistics,University of Copenhagen,Copenhagen K,Denmark.
Conference/Journal: Acta Neuropsychiatr.
Date published: 2016 Dec 6
Other:
Volume ID: 1-11 , Word Count: 223
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of transcranially applied pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on functional impairments and symptom severity in multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) patients.
METHODS: The study was conducted as a nationwide trial in Denmark using a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind and placebo-controlled design. Sample size was estimated at 40 participants. Eligibility criteria were age 18-75 years and fulfilment of the MCS case criteria. Participants received either PEMF or placebo PEMF (no stimulation) applied transcranially for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the Life Impact Scale (LIS) of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). Secondary outcomes were the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and the Chemical Intolerance Scale of QEESI.
RESULTS: A total of 39 participants were randomised to PEMF or placebo treatment. No significant difference was observed on QEESI LIS between groups with a mean change score of -5.9 in the PEMF group compared with -1.5 in the placebo group (p=0.35, effect size=-0.31). However, a significant decrease was detected on QEESI SSS within and between groups with a mean change score of -11.3 in the PEMF group compared with -3.2 in the placebo group (p=0.03, effect size=-0.60).
CONCLUSION: PEMF treatment of 6 weeks showed no effect on functional impairments in MCS. However, a significant decrease in symptom severity was observed.
KEYWORDS: capsaicin; multiple chemical sensitivity; pulsed electromagnetic fields; randomised trial; treatment
PMID: 27919300 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2016.51