We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, three-armed clinical trial with 100 patients. Group 1 (n = 33) and Group 2 (n = 34) received one 20 min session of standardized acupuncture treatment with two different sets of acupoints. Group 3 (n = 33) served as standard analgesia control without additional intervention.
Sample Count
100
Control
Std
Group 3(standard analgesia control without additional intervention)(n=33)
Experiment
standardized acupuncture treatment with two different sets of acupoints Group 1 (n=33);Group 2 (n=34)
Patients were included in the study if they had undergone conventional on-bypass surgery via median sternotomy and reported pain during deep inspiration with an intensity of at least 3 on a 1-10 numeric rating scale under standard analgesia with tNSARs and high-dose opioids.
Stimulation Method
MS
Induction Method
Electroacupuncture Instrument Model
Manufacturer
Frequency
Waveform
Strength
Induction Time
-
-
-
-
-
20 min
Acupuncture_Needle
Needle_Manufacturer
Needle_Depth
0.25×40 mm
-
-
Description Group 1 and 2 received one single 20 min session of standardized verum acupuncture treatment in addition to standard analgesia. Acupuncture was performed on 12 acupoints using sterile 0.25 × 40 mm surgical stainless steel needles.
Anesthesia Method
AAA
Clinical Trial Type
random
Contraindications
Intolerance to acupuncture treatment or sudden worsening of the physical condition
Effector
Primary endpoint analysis revealed a statistically significant analgesic effect for both acupuncture treatments. Group 1 showed a mean percentile pain reduction (PPR) of 18% (SD 19, P < 0.001). Group 2 yielded a mean PPR of 71% (SD 13, P < 0.001). In Group 1, acupuncture resulted in a mean forced vital capacity (FVC) increase of 30 cm3 (SD 73) without statistical significance (P = 0.303). In Group 2, posttreatment FVC showed a significant increase of 306 cm3 (SD 215, P < 0.001).
Objectifying acupuncture effects by lung function and numeric rating scale in patients undergoing heart surgery.
Abstract
Rationale. Poststernotomy pain and impaired breathing are common clinical problems in early postoperative care following heart surgery. Insufficiently treated pain increases the risk of pulmonary complications. High-dose opioids are used for pain management, but they may cause side effects such as respiratory depression. Study Design. We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, three-armed clinical trial with 100 patients. Group 1 (n = 33) and Group 2 (n = 34) received one 20 min session of standardized acupuncture treatment with two different sets of acupoints. Group 3 (n = 33) served as standard analgesia control without additional intervention. Results. Primary endpoint analysis revealed a statistically significant analgesic effect for both acupuncture treatments. Group 1 showed a mean percentile pain reduction (PPR) of 18% (SD 19, P < 0.001). Group 2 yielded a mean PPR of 71% (SD 13, P < 0.001). In Group 1, acupuncture resulted in a mean forced vital capacity (FVC) increase of 30 cm(3) (SD 73) without statistical significance (P = 0.303). In Group 2, posttreatment FVC showed a significant increase of 306 cm(3) (SD 215, P < 0.001). Conclusion. Acupuncture revealed specific analgesic effects after sternotomy. Objective measurement of poststernotomy pain via lung function test was possible."
Souce
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:219817. doi: 10.1155/2013/219817. Epub 2013 Mar 14.
