Key result
Vagus nerve stimulation modulates inflammation and restores sympatho-vagal balance in experimental models, suggesting a potential role for improving outcomes in sepsis.
Why the study?
External stimulation of the vagus nerve can modulate inflammation and restore sympatho-vagal balance, but its pathophysiologic basis and evidence in sepsis required review.
Does vagus nerve stimulation improve outcomes in sepsis?
Does vagus nerve stimulation improve outcomes in sepsis?
Vagus nerve stimulation represents a potential therapeutic avenue for sepsis by modulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
Should not yet change sepsis practice; leaves open vagus nerve stimulation for clinical trials.
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. The infection triggers a host response with an early hyperinflammatory and subsequent anti-inflammatory phase, both regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. A breakdown of these regulatory mechanisms can result in an exaggerated immune response which leads to complications. The vagus nerve plays a central role in regulating inflammation and the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic arms of the autonomic nervous system through the “cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway”. Several experimental models support the notion that external stimulation of the vagus nerve can modulate inflammation and restore the sympatho-vagal balance which may translate to improved outcomes in sepsis. Here, we review the pathophysiologic basis and evidence behind vagus nerve stimulation in sepsis.
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Asad et al. (2020) conducted a review in Sepsis. Vagus nerve stimulation was evaluated. Vagus nerve stimulation modulates inflammation and restores sympatho-vagal balance in experimental models, suggesting a potential role for improving outcomes in sepsis.
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