tVNS in Children With Prader-Willi Syndrome

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of the current project is to test the impact of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on social ability in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Social ability and blood neuropeptides associated with social functioning will be measured before and after engagement in 12 weeks of tVNS therapy.

Official Title
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Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Children With Prader-Willi Syndrome

Conditions
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Prader-Willi Syndrome, Social Behavior

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: tVNS


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: (1) be between the ages of 8-14 years; (2) have a confirmed diagnosis of PWS by genetic testing; (3) be minimally verbal and able to sit at a table to complete cognitive and behavioral testing; (4) be willing to provide blood samples; and (5) be willing to engage in a 16-week study period (baseline to intervention follow-up). Exclusion Criteria: (1) currently taking oxytocin and/or arginine vasopressin or related analogs and (2) have a DSM-5 diagnosis of any severe mental or behavioral disorder (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, conduct or oppositional defiant disorder) that significantly impacts daily functioning.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 8 Years
Maximum Age: 14 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: tVNS treatment<br> | Device: tVNS<br>* Participants will be randomized to either the tVNS treatment condition or the sham tVNS (placebo) condition. An identical non-invasive tVNS device will be used in both groups. In the active condition, the device is placed on the external earlobe (tragus), which directly stimulates the vagus nerve. In the sham condition, the device is placed on the external earlobe, providing the same sensations as in the treatment condition, but no stimulation to the vagus nerve. Intervention period: Participants will use the device 1-hr per day for 12 weeks per manufacturer's instructions.<br>|
| Sham Comparator: tVNS sham treatment<br> | Device: tVNS<br>* Participants will be randomized to either the tVNS treatment condition or the sham tVNS (placebo) condition. An identical non-invasive tVNS device will be used in both groups. In the active condition, the device is placed on the external earlobe (tragus), which directly stimulates the vagus nerve. In the sham condition, the device is placed on the external earlobe, providing the same sensations as in the treatment condition, but no stimulation to the vagus nerve. Intervention period: Participants will use the device 1-hr per day for 12 weeks per manufacturer's instructions.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd Edition (SRS-2) | Identifies the presence and severity of social impairments in child participants by parent report | pre-post 12 week intervention period |