Scientific Newsletter
We acknowledge that many of our customers have busy schedules, and it can be challenging to stay up-to-date on their own. Our objective is thus to assist our valued customers in staying informed about the latest clinical evidence in an unbiased and straightforward manner.
Our quarterly newsletter offers summaries and reflections on scientific evidence related to particular topics in vagus nerve stimulation therapy. Moreover, we release an annual newsletter in the beginning of each year that outlines the most significant studies published during the previous year.
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VNS in epilepsy syndromes
Published May 2023
During the past decades, numerous clinical studies have examined the outcome of VNS Therapy in drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients with different epilepsy syndromes. In this newsletter, we provide scientific summaries and critical reflections based on publications examining the treatment effect of VNS in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and Rett syndrome. The most impactful publication for each syndrome, as ranked by our Medical Affairs Team, is listed below.
LGS: Vagus nerve stimulation in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A metaanalysis
DS: Up to what extent does Dravet syndrome benefit from neurostimulation techniques?
TSC: The role of vagus nerve stimulation in genetic etiologies of drug-resistant epilepsy: a meta-analysis
Rett syndrome: Vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of epilepsy in Rett
Clinical Review 2022
Published Jan 2023
This newsletter aims to provide scientific and clinical updates on the efficacy of VNS Therapy in DRE and difficult-to-treat depression based on peer-reviewed published clinical studies from 2022. The annual newsletter starts with the top three clinical summaries (listed as follows), describing some of the most important VNS studies that were published during 2022, as selected by our medical affairs team.Subsequently, the remaining summaries and critical reflections that have been written based on publications from 2022 are listed and divided into sub-groups of different categories.
Norwegian population-based study of long-term effects, safety, and predictors of response of vagus nerve stimulation treatment in drug-resistant epilepsy: The NORPulse study.
The role of vagus nerve stimulation in genetic etiologies of drug-resistant epilepsy: a meta-analysis.
Rapid titration of VNS therapy reduces time-to-response in epilepsy
Early Use of VNS
Published Nov 2022
This newsletter starts with a review from Lancet Neurology by Pitkänen et al. on the rationale for achieving seizure control as early as possible. Subsequently, key clinical studies focusing on the potential benefits and implications of early VNS implantation are summarized. In short, available clinical evidence indicates that the use of VNS Therapy as early as possible might result in:
Increased seizure-freedom rate
Significant reductions in seizure frequency
Significant improvements in different quality of life metrics such as concentration, energy, mood, and progress in schoolwork
Significantly better improvements in quality of life according to caregivers, and better cognitive ability
Clinical Update Pediatrics
Published June 2022
In this issue of the newsletter, we are excited to explore some of the latest publications in the field of pediatric epilepsy and VNS. One of the studies that we will be looking at is The NORPulse Study by Kostov et al. from SSE in Norway that wanted to elucidate the efficacy of VNS over time and identify which subset of patients benefit the most from VNS Therapy. In addition to, we will be covering key clinical articles that delve into several important topics related to pediatric epilepsy:
Quality of Life
Status Epilepticus
Combination Therapy with Ketogenic Diet and VNS
Clinical Update Adults
Published June 2022
In this newsletter, we will delve into some of the latest publications and research on VNS and its benefits in treating epilepsy in adults. One of the studies that we will be looking at is The NORPulse Study by Kostov et al. - a single center study from the VNS quality register at the National Center for Epilepsy in Norway, covering 90% of all Norwegian VNS patients. We will also cover a range of related topics that are relevant to adults with epilepsy:
Status Epilepticus
Quality of Life
Treatment-resistant depression
