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A randomised, placebo-controlled trial of transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 December 2016

Marie Thi Dao Tran ,
Sine Skovbjerg ,
Lars Arendt-Nielsen ,
Karl Bang Christensen  and
Jesper Elberling
Marie Thi Dao Tran*
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
Sine Skovbjerg
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
Lars Arendt-Nielsen
Affiliation:
Department of Health Science and Technology, Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Karl Bang Christensen
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
Jesper Elberling
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
*
Marie Thi Dao Tran, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Kildegårdsvej 28, Opgang 8, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark. Tel: +45 38677300; Fax: +45 39777118; E-mail address: marie.thi.dao.tran@regionh.dk
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Abstract

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

capsaicinmultiple chemical sensitivitypulsed electromagnetic fieldsrandomised trialtreatment
Type
Original Articles
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 29 , Issue 5 , October 2017 , pp. 267 - 277
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Copyright
© Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2016 

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