Acupuncture Research for the following
Conditions:
1. Osteoarthritis
2. Dysmenorrhea
4. Neck Pain
5. Substance Abuse
6. Headache and Migraine
7. Allergies
8. Fertility Support
Acupuncture
and Osteoarthritis:
1.
Berman BM, Lao L, Langenberg P, Lee WL, Gilpin AM, Hochberg
MC.
Effectiveness of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy in
osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled
trial. Ann Intern Med.
2004 Dec 21;141(12):901-10.
Objective of Study: To determine
whether acupuncture provides greater pain relief and
improved function compared with sham acupuncture or
education in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Design: Randomized,
controlled trial. Two outpatient clinics (an integrative
medicine facility and a rheumatology facility) located in
academic teaching hospitals and 1 clinical trials facility.
570 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (mean age
[+/-SD], 65.5 +/- 8.4 years) participated.
Intervention: 23 true
acupuncture sessions over 26 weeks. Controls received 6
two-hour sessions over 12 weeks or 23 sham acupuncture
sessions over 26 weeks.
Results: Participants
in the true acupuncture group experienced greater
improvement in WOMAC function scores than the sham
acupuncture group at 8 weeks. At 26 weeks, the true
acupuncture group experienced significantly greater
improvement than the sham group in the WOMAC function score
(mean difference, -2.5 [CI, -4.7 to -0.4]; P = 0.01), WOMAC
pain score (mean difference, -0.87 [CI, -1.58 to -0.16];P =
0.003), and patient global assessment (mean difference,
0.26 [CI, 0.07 to 0.45]; P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
Acupuncture seems to provide improvement in function and
pain relief as an adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis of
the knee when compared with credible sham acupuncture and
education control groups.
2. Vas J,
Mendez C, Perea-Milla E, Vega E, Panadero MD, Leon JM,
Borge MA, Gaspar O, Sanchez-Rodriguez F, Aguilar I, Jurado
R.
Acupuncture as a complementary therapy to the
pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee:
randomized controlled trial.
British Medical
Journal. 2004 Nov 20;329(7476):1216.
Objective
of Study: To analyze
the efficacy of acupuncture as a complementary therapy to
the pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis of the
knee, with respect to pain relief, reduction of stiffness,
and increased physical function during treatment;
modifications in the consumption of diclofenac during
treatment; and changes in the patient's quality of life.
Design:
Randomized,
controlled, single blind trial, with blinded evaluation and
statistical analysis of results. The study was conducted at
a Pain management unit in a public primary care center in
southern Spain, over a period of two years. The study
included 97 outpatients presenting with osteoarthritis of
the knee. 3
Intervention: Patients were
randomly separated into two groups, one receiving
acupuncture plus diclofenac (n = 48) and the other placebo
acupuncture plus diclofenac (n = 49).
Results: 88 patients
completed the trial. In the intention to treat analysis,
the WOMAC index presented a greater reduction in the
intervention group than in the control group. The reduction
was greater for functional activity. Results indicate that
acupuncture treatment produces significant changes in
physical capability (P = 0.021) and psychological
functioning (P = 0.046).
Conclusion:
Acupuncture plus diclofenac is more effective than placebo
acupuncture plus diclofenac for the symptomatic treatment
of osteoarthritis of the knee.
3. Usichenko
TI,
Hermsen
M,
Witstruck
T,
Hofer
A,
Pavlovic
D,
Lehmann
C,
Feyerherd
F.
Auricular Acupuncture for Pain Relief after Ambulatory Knee
Arthroscopy-A Pilot Study. Evid Based
Complement Alternat Med. 2005
Jun;2(2):185-189.
Objective
of the Study: To assess the
range of analgesia of Auricular Acupuncture after
ambulatory knee arthroscopy.
Design:
Twenty patients randomly received a true Auricular
Acupuncture procedure (Lung, Shenmen and Knee points) or
sham procedure (three non-acupuncture points on the
auricular helix) before ambulatory knee arthroscopy.
Permanent press AA needles were retained in situ for one
day after surgery. Post-operative pain was treated with
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ibuprofen, and weak oral
opioid tramadol was used for rescue analgesic medication.
Results: Ibuprofen
consumption after surgery in the Auricular Acupuncture
group was lower than in the control group: median 500
versus 800 mg, P = 0.043. Pain intensity on a 100 mm visual
analogue scale for pain measurement and other parameters
were similar in both groups.
Conclusions:
Auricular Acupuncture might be useful in reducing the
post-operative analgesic requirement after ambulatory knee
arthroscopy.
4. Berman
BM,
Singh
BB,
Lao
L,
Langenberg
P,
Li
H,
Hadhazy
V,
Bareta
J,
Hochberg
M.
A randomized trial of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy
in osteoarthritis of the knee. Rheumatology
(Oxford). 1999 Apr;38(4):346-54.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy
of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to standard care
for the relief of pain and dysfunction in elderly patients
with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.
Design: Seventy-three
patients with symptomatic OA of the knee were randomly
assigned to treatment (acupuncture) or standard care
(control).
Results:
Patients randomized to acupuncture improved on both WOMAC
and Lequesne indices compared to those who received
standard treatment alone.
Conclusion:
These data suggest that acupuncture is an effective and
safe adjunctive therapy to conventional care for patients
with OA of the knee.
Dysmenorrhea
1. Chen HM,
Chen CH.
Effects of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point on primary
dysmenorrhea. J Adv Nurs.
2004 Nov; 48(4):380-7.
Objective
of Study: This paper
presents the findings of a study that assessed the effects
of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point on symptoms of
primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.
Design: The
experimental group (n = 35) received acupressure at
Sanyinjiao, Sp-6, (above the ankle) while the control group
(n = 34) rested for 20 min, while the control group
underwent rest in the school health center for 20 min
without receiving acupressure. Fifty participants (30
experimental, 20 control) completed the 4-6-week follow-up
session.
Results: Acupressure
at Sanyinjiao during the initial session reduced the pain
and anxiety typical of dysmenorrhea. In the self-treatment
follow-up session, acupressure at Sanyinjiao significantly
reduced menstrual pain but not anxiety. Thirty-one (87%) of
the 35 experimental participants reported that acupressure
was helpful, and 33 (94%) were satisfied with acupressure
in terms of its providing pain relief and psychological
support during dysmenorrhea.
Conclusion:
The
findings suggest that acupressure at Sanyinjiao can be an
effective, intervention for reducing pain and anxiety
during dysmenorrhea.
2. Habek
D,
Cerkez Habek
J,
Bobic-Vukovic
M,
Vujic
B.
Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Primary
Dysmenorrhea. Gynakol
Geburtshilfliche Rundsch. 2003 Oct;43(4):250-3.
Objective
of Study: The aim of
this study was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture (AP)
in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (PD).
Design: A clinical
prospective, placebo-controlled trial included 57 women
with PD. Of these, 30 were treated with manual AP points:
Du 20 (Baihui), bilateral Li 4 (Hegu), Ren 3 (Zhongji), Ren
4 (Guanyuan), Ren 6 (Qihai), bilateral Gb 34
(Yanglingquan), bilateral Ub 23 (Shenshu), bilateral Lp 6
(Sanyinjao) and auriculoacupuncture points (Shenmen). 27
women were treated with placebo AP.
Results: The
occurrence of PD in nulliparae was statistically relevant
(p < 0.001). Statistically relevant was also the
decrease in medication in women to whom AP had been applied
(p < 0.0001), which was not the case in the placebo
group (p > 0.5).
Conclusions:
The
success rate of AP for the treatment of PD symptoms within
1 year after the AP treatment is 93.3% in the first group
and 3.7% in the placebo group.
3. Lewers
D,
Clelland
JA,
Jackson
JR,
Varner
RE,
Bergman
J.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the relief
of primary dysmenorrhea. Phys Ther. 1989
Jan;69(1):3-9.
Objectives
of Study: The purpose
of this study was to determine the effectiveness of
acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in
treating primary dysmenorrhea.
Design:
Twenty-one women with dysmenorrhea received a placebo pill
or 30 minutes of electro-acupuncture. All subjects
completed two pain questionnaires before treatment;
immediately post-treatment; 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes
post-treatment; and the next morning upon awakening.
Results
and Conclusions:
Results
revealed an average pain relief of at least 50% immediately
post treatment, indicating that electro acupuncture may be
useful for dysmenorrhea pain. This study also suggests that
auriculotherapy via acupressure may relieve the pain of
primary dysmenorrhea.
Low
Back Pain
1.
Ceccherelli
F,
Gagliardi
G,
Barbagli
P,
Caravello
M.
Correlation between the number of sessions and therapeutic
effect in patients suffering from low back pain treated
with acupuncture: a randomized controlled blind
study. Minerva Med.
2003 Aug;94(4 Suppl 1):39-44.
Objective
of the Study: The aim of
this study is to verify the therapeutic effect of
acupuncture in low back pain treatment and to test if the
number of sessions could influence the results at the end
of therapy.
Design: Thirty-one
patients, suffering from low back pain, were randomly
divided into 2 groups: the first group (16 patients, 5
males and 11 females, mean age 57.17 +/- 13.06 years)
received 5 weekly somatic acupuncture sessions; the second
group (15 patients, 4 males and 11 females, mean age 49.36
+/- 11.98 years) underwent 10 weekly somatic acupuncture
sessions. The acupoints used were the same in both groups.
Pain was monitored by a daily self rating chart. Pain was
recorded using a card filled in by the patient, every day.
At the end of therapy, a remaining pain scored between 0%
and 50% of original pain was considered a good result;
unsatisfactory result was a pain between 51% and 80%; poor
result a score of 81% or more of original pain.
Results: In the first
group, 11 patients (68.75%) obtained a good result, 1
patient (6.25%) an unsatisfactory result and 4 patients
(25%) a poor result. The remaining pain was 65.5% of the
original pain (unsatisfactory result).
In the second second group, 13 patients (86.66%) obtained a
good result and 2 patients (13.33%) a poor result. The
remaining pain was 43.9% of the original pain.
Conclusions:
Ten
sessions of acupuncture seem to gain a better therapeutic
effect than 5 in the treatment of chronic low back
pain.
2. Kvorning N, Holmberg C, Grennert L, Aberg A, Akeson
J.
Acupuncture relieves pelvic and low-back pain in late
pregnancy. Acta Obstet
Gynecol Scand. 2004 Mar;83(3):246-50.
Objective
of the Study: The study was
designed to evaluate the analgesic effect and possible
adverse effects of acupuncture for pelvic and low-back pain
during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Design: Following
individual informed consent, 72 pregnant women reporting
pelvic or low-back pain were randomized during pregnancy
weeks 24-37 to an acupuncture group (n = 37) or to a
control group (n = 35) at three maternity wards in southern
Sweden. Traditional acupuncture points and local tender
points (TP) were chosen according to individual pain
patterns and stimulated once or twice a week until delivery
or complete recovery in acupuncture patients.
Results: During the
study period, VAS scorings of pain intensity decreased over
time in 60% of patients in the acupuncture group and in 14%
of those in the control group (p < 0.01). At the end of
the study period, 43% of the acupuncture patients were less
bothered than initially by pain during activity compared
with 9% of control patients (p < 0.01). No serious
adverse effects of acupuncture were found in the patients,
and there were no adverse effects at all in the infants.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture
relieves low-back and pelvic pain without serious adverse
effects in late pregnancy.
3. Meng CF, Wang D, Ngeow J, Lao L, Peterson M, Paget
S.
Acupuncture for chronic low back pain in older patients: a
randomized, controlled trial. Rheumatology
(Oxford). 2003 Dec;42(12):1508-17.
Objective
of Study: To determine
if acupuncture is an effective, safe adjunctive treatment
to standard therapy for chronic low back pain (LBP) in
older patients.
Design: The subjects
were randomized to two groups. The control group of
subjects continued their usual care as directed by their
physicians, i.e. NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, paracetamol and
back exercises. Subjects in the acupuncture group in
addition received biweekly acupuncture with electrical
stimulation for 5 weeks. Fifty-five patients were enrolled,
with eight drop-outs. Twenty-four subjects were randomized
to the acupuncture group and 23 were randomized to the
control group.
Results: Acupuncture
subjects had a significant decrease in RDQ (Roland
Disability Questionaire) score of 4.1 +/- 3.9 at week 6,
compared with a mean decrease of 0.7 +/- 2.8 in the control
group (P = 0.001). This effect was maintained for up to 4
weeks after treatment at week 9, with a decrease in RDQ of
3.5 +/- 4.4 from baseline, compared with 0.43 +/- 2.7 in
the control group (P = 0.007). The mean global transition
score was higher in the acupuncture group, 3.7 +/-
1.2,
indicating greater improvement, compared with
the score in the control group, 2.5 +/- 0.9 (P <
0.001).
Fewer acupuncture subjects had medication-related
side-effects compared with the control group.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture is
an effective, safe adjunctive treatment for chronic LBP in
older patients.
4. Molsberger AF, Mau J, Pawelec DB, Winkler J.
Does acupuncture improve the orthopedic management of
chronic low back pain--a randomized, blinded, controlled
trial with 3 months follow up. Pain. 2002
Oct;99(3):579-87.
Objective
of the Study: To determine
if the combination of acupuncture and conservative
orthopedic treatment improve conservative orthopedic
treatment in chronic low back pain (LBP). Conservative
orthopedic treatment (COT) was defined as a standardized
application of physiotherapy, physical therapy, mudpacks
and infrared therapy. No cortisone was used. The NSAID
diclofenac was used (50mg 3 times a day) as needed.
Design:
174 patients were assorted into 4 strata: chronic LBP, or=5
years. Analysis was by intention to treat. Group 1
(Acupuncture+COT) received 12 treatments of acupuncture and
conservative orthopedic treatment (COT). Group 2 (Sham+COT)
received 12 treatments of non-specific needling and COT.
Group 3 (nil+COT) received COT alone.
Results:
In the whole sample a pain relief of >or=50% on VAS was
reported directly after the end of treatment protocol:
Acupuncture+COT 65% (95%CI 51-77%), Sham+COT 34% (95%ci
22-49%), and nil+COT 43% (95%ci 29-58%) - results are
significant for Acupuncture+COT over Sham+COT (P<0.001).
No difference was found in the mobility of the patients or
in the intake of NSAID diclofenac.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture can
be an important supplement of conservative orthopedic
treatment in the management of chronic LBP.
5. Carlsson CP, Sjolund BH.
Acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a randomized
placebo-controlled study with long-term follow-up.
Clin J Pain.
2001 Dec;17(4):296-305.
Objective
of Study: The study was
designed to determine whether a series of needle
acupuncture treatments produced long-term relief of chronic
low back pain.
Design: The patients
were randomized to receive manual acupuncture,
electroacupuncture, or active placebo (mock transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation). Subjects were examined and
monitored by an investigator who was blinded to the
treatment given. Fifty consecutive patients (33 women, 17
men; mean age, 49.8 years) with chronic low back pain (mean
pain duration, 9.5 years) and without rhizopathy or history
of acupuncture treatment were included in the study. The
independent observer made a global assessment of the
patients 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.
Results:
At the 1-month independent assessment, 16 of 34 patients in
the acupuncture groups and 2 of 16 patients in the placebo
group showed improvement (p <0.05). At the 6-month
follow-up assessment, 14 of 34 patients in the acupuncture
groups and 2 of 16 patients in the placebo group showed
improvement (p <0.05). A significant decrease in pain
intensities occurred at 1 and 3 months in the acupuncture
groups compared with the placebo group.
There was a significant improvement in return to work,
quality of sleep, and analgesic intake in subjects treated
with acupuncture.
Conclusions:
The
authors found a long-term pain-relieving effect of needle
acupuncture compared with true placebo in some patients
with chronic nociceptive low back pain.
Neck Pain
1. White P,
Lewith G, Prescott P, Conway J.
Acupuncture versus placebo for the treatment of chronic
mechanical neck pain: a randomized, controlled
trial. Ann Intern Med.
2004 Dec 21;141(12):911-9.
Objective of Study: To compare
acupuncture and placebo for neck pain.
Design:
A randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel-arm trial with 1-year follow-up. 135 patients 18
to 80 years of age who had chronic mechanical neck pain.
The primary outcome was pain 1 week after treatment,
according to a visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes
were pain at other time points, score on the Neck
Disability Index and the Short Form-36, and use of
analgesic medications. Patients were randomly assigned to
receive, over 4 weeks, 8 treatments with acupuncture or
with mock transcutaneous electrical stimulation of
acupuncture points using a decommissioned
electroacupuncture stimulation unit.
Results:
For the primary outcome (weeks 1 to 5), a statistically
significant difference in visual analogue scale score in
favor of acupuncture (6.3 mm [95% CI, 1.4 to 11.3 mm]; P =
0.01) was observed between the 2 study groups.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture
reduced neck pain and produced a statistically significant
effect compared with placebo.
2. He D, Veiersted KB, Hostmark AT, Medbo JI.
Effect of acupuncture treatment on chronic neck and
shoulder pain in sedentary female workers: a 6-month and
3-year follow-up study. Pain. 2004
Jun;109(3):299-307.
Objective
of Study: The study was
carried out to examine whether acupuncture treatment can
reduce chronic pain in the neck and shoulders and related
headache, and also to examine whether possible effects are
long lasting.
Design:
Therefore, 24 female office workers (47+/-9 years old,
mean+/-SD) who had had neck and shoulder pain for 12+/-9
years were randomly assigned to a test group (TG) or a
control group (CG). Acupuncture was applied 10 times during
3-4 weeks either at presumed anti-pain acupoints (TG) or at
placebo-points (CG). A physician measured the pain
threshold (PPT) in the neck and shoulder regions with
algometry before the first treatment, and after the last
one and six months after the treatments. Questionnaires on
muscle pain and headache were answered at the same
occasions and again 3 years after the last treatment.
Results:
The
intensity and frequency of pain fell more for TG than for
CG (Pb < or = 0.04) during the treatment period. Three
years after the treatments TG still reported less pain than
before the treatments (Pw < 0.001) contrary to what CG
did (Pb < 0.04) The degree of headache fell during the
treatment period for both groups, but more for TG than for
CG (Pb=0.02)
Three years after the treatments the effect still lasted
for TG (Pw < 0.01) while the degree of headache for CG
was back to the pre-treatment level (Pb <
0.001).
Conclusions:
Adequate
acupuncture treatment may reduce chronic pain in the neck
and shoulders and related headache. The effect lasted for 3
years.
3. David J, Modi S, Aluko AA, Robertshaw C, Farebrother
J.
Chronic neck pain: a comparison of acupuncture treatment
and physiotherapy. Br J Rheumatol.
1998 Oct;37(10):1118-22.
Objective
of Study: To evaluate
the effectiveness of acupuncture, as compared with
physiotherapy, in the management of chronic neck pain.
Design:
Seventy adult patients with non-inflammatory neck pain of
>6 weeks duration and with no abnormal neurology were
randomly assigned to receive either of the treatments.
Thirty-five patients were included in each group. Pain by
visual analogue scale and neck pain questionnaire,
improvement in range of movement of neck relative to
baseline, and well being (general health questionnaire).
Measurements were recorded at the start of treatment, at 6
weeks and at 6 months.
Results:
Both treatment groups improved in all criteria. Acupuncture
was slightly more effective in patients who had higher
baseline pain scores.
Conclusion:
Both
acupuncture and physiotherapy are effective forms of
treatment for chronic neck pain.
Substance Abuse
1. Bullock ML,
Umen AJ, Culliton PD, Olander RT.
Acupuncture treatment of alcoholic recidivism: a pilot
study. Alcohol Clin
Exp Res. 1987 Jun;11(3):292-5.
Objective
of Study: to determine
if sobriety could be achieved and episodes of drinking
and/or Detox Center admissions be decreased by the use of
Acupuncture.
Design: 54 alcoholic
recidivists were divided into two groups. Patients in the
treatment group received acupuncture points specific for
the treatment of substance abuse; control patients received
nonspecific points.
Results:
Patients in the treatment group expressed less need for
alcohol (p less than 0.003), and had fewer drinking
episodes (p less than 0.0076) and admissions to the Detox
Center (p less than 0.03) during the study than did control
patients. The majority of treated patients felt that
acupuncture had a definite impact on their desire to drink,
whereas only a few control patients noted this effect (p
less than 0.015).
Conclusion:
The
results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be able
to interdict the cycle of alcoholic
recidivism.
2. Avants SK, Margolin A, Holford TR, Kosten TR.
A randomized controlled trial of auricular acupuncture for
cocaine dependence. Arch Intern
Med. 2000 Aug 14-28;160(15):2305-12.
Objective
of Study: To evaluate
the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture for the
treatment of cocaine addiction.
Design:
82 cocaine-dependent, methadone-maintained patients were
randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: auricular
acupuncture, a needle-insertion control condition, or a
no-needle relaxation control. Treatment sessions were
provided 5 times weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome
was cocaine use assessed by 3-times-weekly urine toxicology
screens.
Results:
Longitudinal analysis of the urine data for the
intent-to-treat sample showed that patients assigned to
acupuncture were significantly more likely to provide
cocaine-negative urine samples relative to both the
relaxation control (odds ratio, 3.41; 95% confidence
interval, 1.33-8.72; P =. 01) and the needle-insertion
control (odds ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval,
1.00-5.75; P =.05).
Conclusion:
Findings from
the current study suggest that acupuncture shows promise
for the treatment of cocaine dependence.
3. Karst M, Passie T, Friedrich S, Wiese B, Schneider
U.
Acupuncture in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal
symptoms: a randomized, placebo-controlled inpatient
study. Addict Biol.
2002 Oct;7(4):415-9.
Objective
of Study: To determine
the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in the treatment
of alcohol withdrawal symptoms in conjunction with standard
medication (carbamazepine).
Design: Thirty-four
alcoholics were treated with acupuncture to the ear and the
body in a randomized single-blind placebo-controlled design
over 14 days. Orthodox points and placebo needles to
orthodox points were used daily for a total of 10
treatments starting on the first day of admission as add-on
therapy to standard medication with carbamazepine. The
primary outcome was the Clinical Institute Withdrawal
Assessment (CIWA-Ar-scale) assessed on days 1-6, 9 and 14.
Results:
Longitudinal analysis of the Clinical Institute Withdrawal
Assessment (CIWA-Ar-scale) data showed that patients
assigned to acupuncture had a general tendency towards
better outcome results and significantly fewer withdrawal
symptoms on day 14 (Wilcoxon-W=177.500, Z=-2.009, p =
0.045).
Conclusion:
We
conclude that acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment to
carbamazepine medication shows promise for the treatment of
alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Headache
and Migraine
1.
Melchart D, Hager S, Hager U, Liao J, Weidenhammer W, Linde
K.
Treatment of patients with chronic headaches in a hospital
for traditional Chinese medicine in Germany. A randomised,
waiting list controlled trial. Complement Ther
Med. 2004 Jun-Sep;12(2-3):71-8.
Objective
of Study: To
investigate the effectiveness of a clinical treatment
program with traditional Chinese medicine for migraine and
tension-type headache.
Design:
Ninety-one patients with migraine, episodic or chronic
tension-type headache according to the criteria of the
International Headache Society were randomised into an
experimental or a waiting list control group. Patients in
the experimental group were treated 4 weeks in a hospital
for traditional Chinese medicine after a baseline period of
one month. Patients in the waiting list group continued
their previous headache treatment. Main outcome measure was
the difference in the number of days with headache of at
least moderate intensity during baseline (month 1) and
month 7.
Results: The
difference in the number of days with headache of at least
moderate intensity was 5.6 (S.D., 6.1) days in the
experimental group and 1.2 (S.D., 4.5) days in the waiting
list group (P <0.001). A reduction of more than 50% in
headache days was observed in 52% of the patients in the
experimental group and 16% in the waiting list group.
Patients with migraine and a combination of migraine and
episodic tension-type headaches improved more than patients
with other headaches.
Conclusion:
The
results of this study indicate that treatment in the
hospital for traditional Chinese medicine in Kotzting is
associated with lasting improvements in the majority of
patients.
2. Wonderling D, Vickers AJ, Grieve R, McCarney R.
Cost effectiveness
analysis of a randomized trial of acupuncture for chronic
headache in primary care. BMJ. 2004 Mar
27;328(7442):747. Epub 2004 Mar 15.
Objective
of Study: To evaluate
the cost effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of
chronic headache.
Design:
401 patients with chronic headache, predominantly migraine.
Interventions Patients were randomly allocated to receive
up to 12 acupuncture treatments over three months from
appropriately trained physiotherapists, or to usual care
alone. Results were measured by incremental cost per
quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained.
Results: Total costs
during the one year period of the study were on average
higher for the acupuncture group (403 pounds sterling; 768
dollars; 598 euros) than for controls (217 pounds sterling)
because of the acupuncture practitioners' costs. The mean
health gain from acupuncture during the one year of the
trial was 0.021 quality adjusted life years (QALYs),
leading to a base case estimate of 9180 pounds sterling per
QALY gained. This result was robust to sensitivity
analysis. Cost per QALY dropped substantially when the
analysis incorporated likely QALY differences for the years
after the trial.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture for
chronic headache improves health related quality of life at
a small additional cost; it is relatively cost effective
compared with a number of other interventions provided by
the National Health Service.
3. Vickers AJ, Rees RW, Zollman CE, McCarney R, Smith CM,
Ellis N, Fisher P, Van Haselen R.
Acupuncture for chronic headache in primary care: large,
pragmatic, randomized trial. BMJ. 2004 Mar
27;328(7442):744. Epub 2004 Mar 15.
Integrative Medicine Service, Biostatistics Service,
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue,
NY
Objective of Study: To determine
the effects of a policy of "use acupuncture" on headache,
health status, days off sick, and use of resources in
patients with chronic headache compared with a policy of
"avoid acupuncture."
Design: 401 patients
with chronic headache, predominantly migraine.
Interventions Patients were randomly allocated to receive
up to 12 acupuncture treatments over three months or to a
control intervention offering usual care. Headache score,
SF-36 health status, and use of medication were assessed at
baseline, three, and 12 months.
Results: Headache
score at 12 months, the primary end point, was lower in the
acupuncture group (16.2, SD 13.7, n = 161, 34% reduction
from baseline) than in controls (22.3, SD 17.0, n = 140,
16% reduction from baseline). The adjusted difference
between means is 4.6 (95% confidence interval 2.2 to 7.0; P
= 0.0002). This result is robust to sensitivity analysis
incorporating imputation for missing data. Patients in the
acupuncture group experienced the equivalent of 22 fewer
days of headache per year (8 to 38). SF-36 data favoured
acupuncture, although differences reached significance only
for physical role functioning, energy, and change in
health. Compared with controls, patients randomised to
acupuncture used 15% less medication (P = 0.02), made 25%
fewer visits to general practitioners (P = 0.10), and took
15% fewer days off sick (P = 0.2).
Conclusion:
Acupuncture
leads to persisting, clinically relevant benefits for
primary care patients with chronic headache, particularly
migraine.
Allergies
1.
Ng DK, Chow PY, Ming SP, Hong SH, et al.,
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of
acupuncture for the treatment of childhood persistent
allergic rhinitis. Pediatrics.
2004 Nov;114(5):1242-7.
Objective
of Study: To compare
active acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment
of persistent allergic rhinitis among children.
Design: Eighty-five
patients were recruited from the pediatric outpatient
clinic at Kwong Wah Hospital, in Hong Kong. Thirteen
patients withdrew before randomization; 35 patients (mean
age: 11.7 +/- 3.2 years) were randomized to receive active
acupuncture for 8 weeks, and 37 patients (mean age: 11 +/-
3.8 years) were randomized to receive sham acupuncture for
8 weeks. Acupuncture was performed twice per week for both
groups. Both the assessing pediatricians and the patients
were blinded. Subjects with persistent allergic rhinitis
were recruited from the pediatric outpatient clinic.
Results: There were
significantly lower daily rhinitis scores and more
symptom-free days for the group receiving active
acupuncture, during both the treatment and follow-up
periods. The visual analog scale scores for immediate
improvement after acupuncture were also significantly
better for the active acupuncture group. No severe adverse
effects were encountered.
Conclusion:
This study
showed that active acupuncture was more effective than sham
acupuncture in decreasing the symptom scores for persistent
allergic rhinitis and increasing the symptom-free days. No
serious adverse effect was identified.
2.
Brinkhaus B, Hummelsberger J, Kohnen R, Seufert J, Hempen
CH, Leonhardy H, Nogel R, Joos S, Hahn E, Schuppan
D.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of
patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a
randomized-controlled clinical trial. Allergy. 2004
Sep;59(9):953-60.
Objective
of Study: The aim of
this study was to determine whether traditional Chinese
therapy is efficacious in patients suffering from seasonal
allergic rhinitis (AR).
Design: Fifty-two
patients between the ages of 20 and 58 who had typical
symptoms of seasonal AR were assigned randomly and in a
blinded fashion to (i) an active treatment group which
received a semi-standardized treatment of acupuncture and
Chinese herbal medicine, and (ii) a control group which
received acupuncture applied to non-acupuncture points in
addition to a non-specific Chinese herbal formula. All
patients received acupuncture treatment once per week and
the respective Chinese herbal formula as a decoction three
times daily for a total of 6 weeks. Assessments were
performed before, during, and 1 week after treatment. The
change in severity of hay fever symptoms was the primary
outcome measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: Compared with
patients in the control group, patients in the active
treatment group showed a significant after-treatment
improvement on the VAS (P = 0.006) and Rhinitis Quality of
Life Questionnaire (P = 0.015). Improvement on the Global
Assessment of Change Scale was noted in 85% of active
treatment group participants vs. 40% in the control group
(P = 0.048).
Conclusion:
The
results of this study suggest that traditional Chinese
therapy may be an efficacious and safe treatment option for
patients with seasonal AR.
3. Joos S,
Schott C, Zou H, Daniel V, Martin E.
Immunomodulatory effects of acupuncture in the treatment of
allergic asthma: a randomized controlled study.
J
Altern Complement Med. 2000 Dec;6(6):519-25.
Objective of Study: In a
randomized, controlled study we investigated immunologic
effects of Chinese acupuncture on patients with allergic
asthma.
Design: The effects
of acupuncture treatment given according to the principles
of TCM (TCM group, n = 20) were compared with those of
acupuncture treatment using points not specific for asthma
(control group, n = 18). All patients were treated 12 times
for 30 minutes over a time period of 4 weeks. Patients'
general well-being and several peripheral blood parameters
(eosinophils, lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokines, in
vitro lymphocyte proliferation) were determined before and
after acupuncture treatment.
Results:
In the TCM group, significantly more patients indicated an
improvement in general well-being (79% in the TCM group
versus 47% in the control group; p = 0.049) after
acupuncture treatment. The following changes were found in
the TCM group: within the lymphocyte subpopulations the
CD3+ cells (p = 0.005) and CD4+ cells (p = 0.014) increased
significantly. There were also significant changes in
cytokine concentrations: interleukin (IL)-6 (p = 0.026) and
IL-10 (p = 0.001) decreased whereas IL-8 (p = 0.050) rose
significantly. Additionally, the in vitro lymphocyte
proliferation rate increased significantly (p = 0.035)
while the number of eosinophils decreased from 4.4% to 3.3%
after acupuncture (p > 0.05). The control group,
however, showed no significant changes apart from an
increase in the CD4+ cells (p = 0.012).
Conclusion:
The
results imply that asthma patients benefit from acupuncture
treatment given in addition to conventional therapy.
Furthermore, acupuncture performed in accordance with the
principles of TCM showed significant immune-modulating
effects.
Fertility Support
1.
Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri I, Sterzik
K.
Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients
who undergo assisted reproduction therapy.
Fertil Steril.
2002 Apr;77(4):721-4.
Objective
of Study: To evaluate
the effect of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in assisted
reproduction therapy (ART) by comparing a group of patients
receiving acupuncture treatment shortly before and after
embryo transfer with a control group receiving no
acupuncture.
Design: After giving
informed consent, 160 patients who were undergoing ART and
who had good quality embryos were divided into the
following two groups through random selection: embryo
transfer with acupuncture (n = 80) and embryo transfer
without acupuncture (n = 80). Acupuncture was performed in
80 patients 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer. In
the control group, embryos were transferred without any
supportive therapy.
Results: Clinical
pregnancies were documented in 34 of 80 patients (42.5%) in
the acupuncture group, whereas pregnancy rate was only
26.3% (21 out of 80 patients) in the control group.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture
seems to be a useful tool for improving pregnancy rate
after ART.
2. Stener-Victorin E, Waldenstrom U, Wikland M, Nilsson L,
Hagglund L, Lundeberg T.
Electro-acupuncture as a peroperative analgesic method and
its effects on implantation rate and neuropeptide Y
concentrations in follicular fluid. Hum Reprod.
2003 Jul;18(7):1454-60.
Objective
of Study: This study
was designed to test the hypothesis that electro
acupuncture (EA) as an analgesic during oocyte aspiration
would result in: (i) a better IVF pregnancy rate than with
alfentanil (an anesthetic); (ii) peroperative analgesia
that was as good as that produced by alfentanil; (iii) less
postoperative abdominal pain, nausea and stress; and (iv) a
reduction in the use of additional analgesics.
Design:
In a randomized, multicenter clinical trial, 286 women
undergoing oocyte aspiration were randomly allocated to the
EA group (EA plus a PCB) or to the alfentanil group
(alfentanil plus a PCB). Neuropeptide Y (NPY)
concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) were analyzed when
possible.
Results:
NPY concentrations in FF were significantly higher in the
EA group compared with the alfentanil group. Both EA plus a
PCB and alfentanil plus a PCB induced adequate preoperative
analgesia during oocyte aspiration evaluated using the
visual analogue scale. After 2 hours, the EA group reported
significantly less abdominal pain, other pain, nausea and
stress than the alfentanil group. In addition, the EA group
received significantly lower amounts of additional
alfentanil than the alfentanil group.
Conclusion:
The
observation that NPY concentrations in FF were higher in
the EA group may be important for human ovarian
steroidogenesis. The analgesic effects produced by EA are
as good as those produced by conventional analgesics, and
the use of opiate analgesics with EA is lower than when
conventional analgesics alone are used.
Compiled by Michael Spano
MS, L.Ac. - mspano2001@yahoo.com