Successful application of pulsed electromagnetic fields in a patient with post-COVID-19 fatigue: a case report

Summary Background Post-COVID-19 fatigue is a frequent symptom in COVID-19 survivors, which substantially limits patients to achieve full recovery and potentially restrains return to work. The previous literature has not yet reported the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields in this indication. Methods Over the course of 5 weeks, 10 sessions of pulsed electromagnetic field treatment with a high magnetic flux density were applied to a patient suffering from post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome. Fatigue, work ability, quality of life as well as anxiety, depression, stress level, and resilience were evaluated using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Results Fatigue, work ability, quality of life, and psychological well-being improved clearly over the course of the treatment and showed stable results 6 weeks later. Conclusion The use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with a device that allows sufficient penetration of the body tissue might be a promising physical modality to manage post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome, which could reduce clinical and economic health consequences. Clinical sham-controlled studies are needed to evaluate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in this indication.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Protect Against Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Involvement Of Anti-Inflammatory Processes And Hematoma Clearance Via CD36

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage causes high mortality and morbidity, but its therapy methods are limited. In the present study, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) were demonstrated to have beneficial effects on an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) model. This study explored the effects and underlying mechanism of PEMFs in a mouse model of ICH and cultured BV2 cells.Methods: PEMFs were applied 24 hours after collagenase-induced ICH and 4 hours per day for seven consecutive days. The levels of proinflammatory factors were assessed by ELISA kits and western blotting. Hematoma volume was measured by histological analysis. The effects of PEMFs on phagocytosis of the erythrocytes was observed in cultured BV2 cells.Results: Seven days after ICH, the hematoma volume was significantly reduced in PEMF-treated animals compared to nontreated mice. We found that PEMFs decreased the hematoma volume and the levels of proinflammatory factors after ICH. To evaluate the mechanisms underlying the effects of PEMFs on ICH, we analyzed the transcriptome profile three days after ICH, and we found that PEMFs reversed the changes in inflammation-related pathways and alleviated neurological deficits. Furthermore, PEMFs enhanced the erythrophagocytosis of microglia via CD36. Thus, the PEMF-mediated promotion of neurological functions may at least partly involve anti-inflammatory processes and hematoma clearance.Conclusions: These results suggest that PEMF treatment is a possible adjuvant therapy for ICH patients.