Remote Electrical Stimulation for Pain and Depression Treatment in Cirrhosis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · Apr 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help manage pain and depression in people with cirrhosis, a serious liver condition. The study will involve participants using a device called Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation (TEA), which sends gentle electrical signals to help reduce pain. Some participants will use the TEA device, while others will receive a placebo, which looks like the real treatment but doesn’t actually provide any electrical stimulation. The goal is to see if TEA can effectively relieve pain and improve mood for those living with cirrhosis.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be between the ages of 65 and 74 and have a diagnosis of cirrhosis along with chronic pain that they rate at 4 or higher on a scale from 0-10 for most days within the last three months. They should also be English-speaking and willing to use the TEA device. However, people with severe memory issues, those who are unable to give consent, or those expecting a liver transplant soon will not be eligible. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it will provide valuable insights into new treatments for managing pain and depression in this patient group.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of cirrhosis - must meet the criteria as outlined in the protocol
• • Chronic pain (Patient self-reports ≥ 4 on the 0-10 scale for \>50% of days within 3- months)
• • Depression (in at least half of participants) - must meet the criteria as outlined in the protocol
• • English speaking
• • Willing to use a Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation device
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Dementia and/or severe cognitive impairment
• • Unable or unwilling to provide consent
• • Expected to undergo liver transplant in next 24 weeks
• • No email address
• • Deemed unsuitable by the study investigator