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Choi SJ, Kim DI, Yoon SH, Choi CM, Yoo JE. Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial on Hominis placenta extract pharmacopuncture for hot flashes in peri- and post-menopausal women. Integr Med Res 2022; 11:100891. [PMID: 36338608 PMCID: PMC9634366 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2022.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture is widely used for climacteric symptoms. This study examined the efficacy and safety of pharmacopuncture with PLC (the extract of Hominis placenta) on hot flashes for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods This study was a randomized placebo-controlled single-blind trial, which recruited 128 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, randomly assigned to receive pharmacopuncture with PLC or normal saline (NS) for eight weeks. The primary outcome was the mean changes in the hot flash score (HFS) and the secondary outcomes were the mean changes in the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and estradiol (E2) levels from baseline to eight weeks. Missing values were imputed using the last-observation-carried-forward method. Results After treatment (week 9), the HFS decreased significantly in both groups (p = 0.000). The residual HFS was 47.09 ± 41.39% and 56.45 ± 44.92 % in the PLC and control groups, respectively (p = 0.262). One month after the treatment (week 13), the score of the PLC group was reduced, but the score increased in the control group (p = 0.077). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean changes in MRS, FSH, and E2 between the two groups. No serious adverse events related to this trial were noted. Conclusion In this study, Hominis placenta extract pharmacopuncture did not differ significantly from NS in reducing the hot flash score. While this therapy appears safe, the potential for long-term effect of PLC extract needs to be examined in a large randomized controlled trial with appropriate controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ji Choi
- Department of Korean Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Guk University, Korean Medicine Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Il Kim
- Department of Korean Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Guk University, Korean Medicine Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author at: Department of Korean Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Guk University, Korean Medicine Hospital, 27 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Ho Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Min Choi
- Department of Korean Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Yoo
- Laon Korean Medicine Clinic, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Efficacy Comparison of Different Acupuncture Treatments for Hot Flashes: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.13045/jar.2020.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of various types of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes (HF). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from 8 electronic databases, and the risk of bias was evaluated for the included studies. Pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed using Review Manager and R software for indirect comparison and ranking, respectively. In total, 23 RCTs (2,302 patients) were eligible for systematic review, of which 10 were included in network meta-analysis. Network meta-analysis showed manual acupuncture (MA) had the highest probability of reducing HF frequency and severity, followed by sham acupuncture (SA), electroacupuncture, usual care, or no treatment; furthermore, warm acupuncture significantly improved menopause-specific quality of life compared with MA or electroacupuncture. Compared with hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture had less efficacy in reducing HF frequency but enhanced menopause-specific quality of life. There was no significant difference between MA and SA in mitigating HF. The existing evidence showed that MA could be used for alleviating menopausal HF. However, it is recommended that more high-quality RCTs should be performed.
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Habibabadi MR, Ashtari F, Raeisi I. Effect of Auricular Acupuncture with Semi-Permanent Ear Needles on Controlling Migraine Symptoms: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2021; 14:58-66. [DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.2.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Razvani Habibabadi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, Kashani Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Ashtari
- Neurology Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Iman Raeisi
- Resident of Anesthesiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Li S, Wang Z, Wu H, Yue H, Yin P, Zhang W, Lao L, Mi Y, Xu S. Electroacupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture for Perimenopausal Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Nat Sci Sleep 2020; 12:1201-1213. [PMID: 33376432 PMCID: PMC7764880 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s282315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of acupuncture on perimenopausal insomnia (PMI) and quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS We designed a semi-standardized, patient-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial. A total of 84 patients were recruited, all of whom met the criteria for diagnosis of PMI. Either acupuncture therapy or a noninvasive placebo acupuncture therapy designed to treat insomnia was implemented 18 times over the course of 8 weeks (3 times per week for 4 weeks, twice per week for 2 weeks, once per week for 2 weeks). The primary outcome was the change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores from baseline to the end of treatment, week 8. Secondary outcomes included climacteric symptoms and quality of life measured by the Menopause Quality of Life (Men-QoL), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), sleep parameters recorded in the actigraphy and adverse events. The PSQI and Men-QoL were assessed at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 20. Other assessments were performed at week 0 and week 8. RESULTS The participants were randomly assigned to either acupuncture (n=42) or sham acupuncture (n=42) groups. The mean difference from baseline of PSQI score at the end of treatment between real acupuncture and sham acupuncture group was -2.38 (95% CI, -3.46 to -1.30; P<0.001). The acupuncture group was associated with significantly lower scores than the sham acupuncture group at week 12 and during the 20-week follow-up visits (all P <0.001). Acupuncture was also associated with significantly higher quality of life in vasomotor and other physical dimensions (all P <0.001). At the end of treatment, researchers found a significantly higher total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE) and lower number of average awakenings (AA) (P =0.007 0.023 and 0.011, respectively) in the acupuncture group than in the sham acupuncture group. No severe adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment for PMI and improving quality of sleep in patients with menopause and could have a long-lasting effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR); Trial ID: ChiCTR1800018645. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=31482.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoqin Wang
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Huangan Wu
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Yue
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Yin
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixing Lao
- Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
| | - Yiqun Mi
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifen Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
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Chien TJ, Liu CY, Fang CJ, Kuo CY. The maintenance effect of acupuncture on breast cancer-related menopause symptoms: a systematic review. Climacteric 2019; 23:130-139. [PMID: 31612733 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2019.1664460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acupuncture has been used for many breast cancer treatment-related problems, but how long the effect lasts is unknown. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate how long the effect of acupuncture on breast cancer-related hot flushes and menopause symptoms lasts.Methods: The research design followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement, without language restrictions. Seven databases from inception through February 2019 were accessed; only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that examined the maintenance effect of acupuncture on hot flushes or menopause symptoms after treatment were included. Cochrane criteria were followed and RevMan 5.2 software was used to analyze trials.Results: In total, 943 patients from 13 RCTs were analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that acupuncture had no significant long-term maintenance effect on the frequency or severity of hot flushes (p = 0.29; p = 0.34), but had a significant 3-month maintenance effect of ameliorating menopause symptoms at 3 months after treatment ended (p = 0.001). No adverse events were reported.Conclusions: Acupuncture significantly alleviated menopause symptoms for at least 3 months, but not hot flushes. Breast cancer patients concerned about the adverse effects of hormone therapy could consider acupuncture as an alternative. Additional acupuncture at 3 months after the initial treatment course could be considered. A large-scale study may help to define the optimal guideline for this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-J Chien
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Zhong-Zhou and Jen-Ai, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C-Y Liu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Flourish Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C-J Fang
- Medical Library, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Secretariat, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - C-Y Kuo
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Guo PP, Li P, Zhang XH, Liu N, Wang J, Chen DD, Sun WJ, Zhang W. Complementary and alternative medicine for natural and treatment-induced vasomotor symptoms: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2019; 36:181-194. [PMID: 31383438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are very common in menopausal populations and cancer patients and can cause physical and mental discomfort. We aim to summarize the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) that assessed the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines(CAMs)on VMS to provide solid evidence for future practice. METHODS PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2019 to identify relevant SRs/MAs. The methodological quality of SRs/MAs and evidence levels of the outcomes were assessed. RESULTS A total of 29 SRs/MAs were reviewed. Evidence has shown that acupuncture, hypnosis, paced respiration, cognitive behavioural therapy, genistein, soy isoflavones, S-equol, combined preparations of black cohosh, and omega-3 supplements could significantly reduce VMS. The methodological quality of the SRs/MAs was moderate or high. CONCLUSION CAMs might be beneficial for reducing VMS, but the evidence levels were not high. Several priorities for future practice were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Ping Guo
- Nursing school, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130021, China.
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Developmental Pediatrics, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130041, China.
| | - Xue-Hui Zhang
- Nursing school, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130021, China.
| | - Na Liu
- Nursing school, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130021, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- Nursing school, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130021, China.
| | - Dan-Dan Chen
- Nursing school, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130021, China.
| | - Wei-Jia Sun
- Nursing school, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130021, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Nursing school, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, 130021, China.
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Birch S, Lee MS, Alraek T, Kim TH. Overview of Treatment Guidelines and Clinical Practical Guidelines That Recommend the Use of Acupuncture: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:752-769. [PMID: 29912569 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2018.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As positive evidence emerges for the use of an intervention to treat a health problem, the intervention gradually becomes incorporated into treatment guidelines (TGs) or clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that are related to that health problem. To assess whether this general hypothesis can apply to acupuncture, 96 health problems were identified for which positive conclusions in systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture have been made and then searched for TGs or CPGs that have recommended the use of acupuncture. METHODS Through August 31, 2017, searches were performed in relevant medical databases and Google using "treatment guideline," "clinical practice guideline," and the names of the 96 medical conditions as search terms. A "snow-balling" search approach was adopted. All positive recommendations were added into the registry. RESULTS A total of 1311 publications were found that recommended using acupuncture published between 1991 and 2017. The number per year reached 50 in 2005 and 100 in 2009. In addition, 2189 positive recommendations were found for the use of acupuncture. Of these, 1486 were related to 107 pain indications and 703 were related to 97 nonpain indications. These recommendations were made by a wide range of groups, such as government health institutions, national guideline, and medical specialty groups. The recommendations came from around the world but were especially abundant in North America, Europe, and Australasia. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Considerably more recommendations were found for the use of acupuncture than are known within the acupuncture or medical communities. A trend by year was also found; a rise in the number of positive statements about acupuncture was typically followed by a rise in the number of recommendations of acupuncture. Thus, the recommendations followed the emergent evidence for acupuncture. Better implementation plans need to be developed for the CPG/TG recommendations about acupuncture to be more effective/efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Birch
- 1 Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College , Oslo, Norway
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- 2 Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon, Republic of South Korea
| | - Terje Alraek
- 1 Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College , Oslo, Norway .,3 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromso, Norway
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- 4 Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Korean Medicine Hospital, Kyung Hee University , Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Chien TJ, Hsu CH, Liu CY, Fang CJ. Effect of acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in breast cancer- A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180918. [PMID: 28829776 PMCID: PMC5568723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many breast cancer patients suffer from hot flush and medical menopause as side effects of treatment. Some patients undergo acupuncture, rather than hormone therapy, to relieve these symptoms, but the efficacy of acupuncture is uncertain. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in women with breast cancer. Methods A literature search was performed, following the PRISMA Statement and without language restrictions, of 7 databases from inception through March 2017. All selected studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of needle acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in patients with breast cancer. The methodological quality of these trials was assessed using Cochrane criteria, and meta-analysis software (RevMan 5.2) was used to analyze the data. Results We examined 844 breast cancer patients (average age: 58 years-old) from 13 RCTs. The trials had medium-to-high quality, based on the modified Jadad scale. The meta-analysis showed that acupuncture had no significant effect on the frequency and the severity of hot flush (p = 0.34; p = 0.33), but significantly ameliorated menopause symptoms (p = 0.009). None of the studies reported severe adverse events. Conclusions Acupuncture significantly alleviated menopause symptoms, but had no effect on hot flush. Breast cancer patients concerned about the adverse effects of hormone therapy should consider acupuncture. Further large-scale studies that also measure biomarkers or cytokines may help to elucidate the mechanism by which acupuncture alleviates menopause symptoms in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Ju Chien
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Zhong-xing, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Branch of Linsen, Chinese Medicine and Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Chung-Hua Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Branch of Linsen, Chinese Medicine and Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yu Liu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Branch of Linsen, Chinese Medicine and Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ju Fang
- Medical Library, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Carlos L, da Cruz LAP, Leopoldo VC, de Campos FR, de Almeida AM, Silveira RCDCP. Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2016; 24:e2762. [PMID: 27533271 PMCID: PMC4996090 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.0647.2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to identify and synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture in relation to sham acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women with breast cancer. METHOD systematic review guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Citations were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and LILACS. A combination of the following keywords was used: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, and vasomotor symptoms. RESULTS a total of 272 studies were identified, five of which were selected and analyzed. Slight superiority of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture was observed; however, there were no strong statistical associations. CONCLUSIONS the evidence gathered was not sufficient to affirm the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture. OBJETIVO identificar e sintetizar as evidências oriundas de ensaios clínicos randomizados que testaram a efetividade da acupuntura tradicional chinesa em relação à sham acupuntura para o tratamento dos fogachos em mulheres com câncer de mama no climatério. MÉTODO revisão sistemática guiada pelas recomendações da Colaboração Cochrane. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL Cochrane, CINAHL e LILACS. Adotou-se a combinação dos descritores: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. RESULTADOS foram identificados 272 estudos, sendo 5 selecionados e analisados. Foi observada discreta superioridade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham, entretanto, sem fortes associações estatísticas. CONCLUSÕES as evidências obtidas não foram suficientes para afirmar quanto à efetividade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham. OBJETIVO Identificar y sintetizar la evidencia de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado que examinó la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional en relación a la acupuntura sham para el tratamiento de sofocos en las mujeres menopáusicas con cáncer de mama. MÉTODO Revisión sistemática guiada por las recomendaciones de la Colaboración Cochrane. Las referencias bibliográficas se buscaron en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE vía PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL y LILACS. Se utilizó una combinación de las siguientes palabras clave: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. RESULTADOS Se identificó un total de 272 estudios, cinco de los cuales fueron seleccionados y analizados. Se encontró una ligera superioridad de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham; sin embargo, no se encontraron asociaciones estadísticas fuertes. CONCLUSIONES La evidencia obtenida no fue suficiente para confirmar la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Carlos
- Doctoral Student, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade
de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lóris Aparecida Prado da Cruz
- Master's Student, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade
de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cristina Leopoldo
- Master's Student, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade
de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil. RN, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto,
Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Ribeiro de Campos
- Master's Student, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade
de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil. RN, Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Franca, Franca, SP,
Brazil
| | - Ana Maria de Almeida
- PhD, Associate Professor, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
Universidade de São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research
Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira Silveira
- PhD, Professor, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de
São Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão
Preto, SP, Brazil
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Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Fei Y, Mehring M, Vertosick EA, Vickers A, White AR. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 2016:CD001218. [PMID: 27351677 PMCID: PMC4977344 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001218.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture is often used for migraine prevention but its effectiveness is still controversial. We present an update of our Cochrane review from 2009. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether acupuncture is a) more effective than no prophylactic treatment/routine care only; b) more effective than sham (placebo) acupuncture; and c) as effective as prophylactic treatment with drugs in reducing headache frequency in adults with episodic migraine. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL: 2016, issue 1); MEDLINE (via Ovid, 2008 to January 2016); Ovid EMBASE (2008 to January 2016); and Ovid AMED (1985 to January 2016). We checked PubMed for recent publications to April 2016. We searched the World Health Organization (WHO) Clinical Trials Registry Platform to February 2016 for ongoing and unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized trials at least eight weeks in duration that compared an acupuncture intervention with a no-acupuncture control (no prophylactic treatment or routine care only), a sham-acupuncture intervention, or prophylactic drug in participants with episodic migraine. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers checked eligibility; extracted information on participants, interventions, methods and results, and assessed risk of bias and quality of the acupuncture intervention. The primary outcome was migraine frequency (preferably migraine days, attacks or headache days if migraine days not measured/reported) after treatment and at follow-up. The secondary outcome was response (at least 50% frequency reduction). Safety outcomes were number of participants dropping out due to adverse effects and number of participants reporting at least one adverse effect. We calculated pooled effect size estimates using a fixed-effect model. We assessed the evidence using GRADE and created 'Summary of findings' tables. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-two trials including 4985 participants in total (median 71, range 30 to 1715) met our updated selection criteria. We excluded five previously included trials from this update because they included people who had had migraine for less than 12 months, and included five new trials. Five trials had a no-acupuncture control group (either treatment of attacks only or non-regulated routine care), 15 a sham-acupuncture control group, and five a comparator group receiving prophylactic drug treatment. In comparisons with no-acupuncture control groups and groups receiving prophylactic drug treatment, there was risk of performance and detection bias as blinding was not possible. Overall the quality of the evidence was moderate. Comparison with no acupunctureAcupuncture was associated with a moderate reduction of headache frequency over no acupuncture after treatment (four trials, 2199 participants; standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.56; 95% CI -0.65 to -0.48); findings were statistically heterogeneous (I² = 57%; moderate quality evidence). After treatment headache frequency at least halved in 41% of participants receiving acupuncture and 17% receiving no acupuncture (pooled risk ratio (RR) 2.40; 95% CI 2.08 to 2.76; 4 studies, 2519 participants) with a corresponding number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) of 4 (95% CI 3 to 6); there was no indication of statistical heterogeneity (I² = 7%; moderate quality evidence). The only trial with post-treatment follow-up found a small but significant benefit 12 months after randomisation (RR 2.16; 95% CI 1.35 to 3.45; NNT 7; 95% 4 to 25; 377 participants, low quality evidence). Comparison with sham acupunctureBoth after treatment (12 trials, 1646 participants) and at follow-up (10 trials, 1534 participants), acupuncture was associated with a small but statistically significant frequency reduction over sham (moderate quality evidence). The SMD was -0.18 (95% CI -0.28 to -0.08; I² = 47%) after treatment and -0.19 (95% CI -0.30 to -0.09; I² = 59%) at follow-up. After treatment headache frequency at least halved in 50% of participants receiving true acupuncture and 41% receiving sham acupuncture (pooled RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.36; I² = 48%; 14 trials, 1825 participants) and at follow-up in 53% and 42%, respectively (pooled RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.39; I² = 61%; 11 trials, 1683 participants; moderate quality evidence). The corresponding NNTBs are 11 (95% CI 7.00 to 20.00) and 10 (95% CI 6.00 to 18.00), respectively. The number of participants dropping out due to adverse effects (odds ratio (OR) 2.84; 95% CI 0.43 to 18.71; 7 trials, 931 participants; low quality evidence) and the number of participants reporting adverse effects (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.56; 4 trials, 1414 participants; moderate quality evidence) did not differ significantly between acupuncture and sham groups. Comparison with prophylactic drug treatmentAcupuncture reduced migraine frequency significantly more than drug prophylaxis after treatment ( SMD -0.25; 95% CI -0.39 to -0.10; 3 trials, 739 participants), but the significance was not maintained at follow-up (SMD -0.13; 95% CI -0.28 to 0.01; 3 trials, 744 participants; moderate quality evidence). After three months headache frequency at least halved in 57% of participants receiving acupuncture and 46% receiving prophylactic drugs (pooled RR 1.24; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.44) and after six months in 59% and 54%, respectively (pooled RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.26; moderate quality evidence). Findings were consistent among trials with I² being 0% in all analyses. Trial participants receiving acupuncture were less likely to drop out due to adverse effects (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.86; 4 trials, 451 participants) and to report adverse effects (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.62; 5 trials 931 participants) than participants receiving prophylactic drugs (moderate quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The available evidence suggests that adding acupuncture to symptomatic treatment of attacks reduces the frequency of headaches. Contrary to the previous findings, the updated evidence also suggests that there is an effect over sham, but this effect is small. The available trials also suggest that acupuncture may be at least similarly effective as treatment with prophylactic drugs. Acupuncture can be considered a treatment option for patients willing to undergo this treatment. As for other migraine treatments, long-term studies, more than one year in duration, are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Linde
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University MunichInstitute of General PracticeOrleansstrasse 47MünchenGermany81667
| | - Gianni Allais
- University of TorinoWomen's Headache Center and Service for Acupuncture in Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical SciencesVia Ventimiglia 3TorinoItaly10126
| | - Benno Brinkhaus
- Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin BerlinInstitute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health EconomicsLuisenstrasse 57BerlinGermany10117
| | - Yutong Fei
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese Medicine11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Michael Mehring
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University MunichInstitute of General PracticeOrleansstrasse 47MünchenGermany81667
| | - Emily A. Vertosick
- Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer CenterDepartment of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsNew YorkUSA
| | - Andrew Vickers
- Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer CenterDepartment of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsNew YorkUSA
| | - Adrian R White
- Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and DentistryPrimary Care25 Room N32, ITTC BuildingTamar Science ParkPlymouthUKPL6 8BX
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11
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Garcia MK, Graham-Getty L, Haddad R, Li Y, McQuade J, Lee RT, Spano M, Cohen L. Systematic review of acupuncture to control hot flashes in cancer patients. Cancer 2015; 121:3948-58. [PMID: 26281028 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hot flashes (HFs) are a common side effect of cancer treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence related to the use of acupuncture for HFs in cancer patients. EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane (all databases), PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus were searched from their inception through December 2014. Included studies had to be randomized controlled trials with a usual-care and/or placebo comparison group that investigated acupuncture to treat HFs in cancer patients. No language limits were applied. The risk of bias (ROB) was rated as low, high, or unclear according to Cochrane criteria. Both within-group and between-group changes were evaluated. Four hundred two items were identified, and 192 duplicates were omitted; this left 210 publications to be screened. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and all involved women with breast cancer. All studies showed significant within-group improvement from the baseline for true acupuncture (TA). One study showed significant improvement in favor of TA over sham acupuncture (SA; P < .001), 1 study found in favor of TA over SA for nighttime HFs only (P = .03), and 1 study found in favor of TA over SA or untreated controls (P < .01 and P < .001, respectively). Between-group (TA vs SA) effect size (ES) estimates for daytime and nighttime HFs were calculated (ES range, 0.04-0.9) whenever possible. No studies were rated with a low ROB. In conclusion, the current level of evidence is insufficient to either support or refute the benefits of acupuncture for the management of HFs in cancer patients. Future studies should provide within-group and between-group ES estimates in addition to P values.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kay Garcia
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Robin Haddad
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yisheng Li
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer McQuade
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard T Lee
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael Spano
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- Integrative Medicine Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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12
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Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause. Menopause 2015; 22:234-44. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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13
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Peng W, Adams J, Hickman L, Sibbritt DW. Association between consultations with complementary/alternative medicine practitioners and menopause-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study. Climacteric 2014; 18:551-8. [PMID: 25418796 DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2014.989828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the associations between consultations with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners and menopause-related symptoms. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 10 011 women aged 59-64 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, conducted in 2010. Women, including those with hysterectomy, oophorectomy and natural menopause, were asked about their consultations with a range of CAM practitioners and menopause-related symptoms experienced. RESULTS Acupuncturists were more likely to be consulted by women with hysterectomy experiencing night sweats (odds ratio, OR = 2.21), but were less likely to be consulted by those experiencing hot flushes (OR = 0.53). Acupuncturists were also more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy (OR = 3.11) and natural menopausal women (OR = 1.57) experiencing back pain. Massage therapists were more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy experiencing back pain (OR = 1.98), women with hysterectomy experiencing anxiety (OR = 1.52), and natural menopausal women experiencing back pain (OR = 1.54) and/or anxiety (OR = 1.29). Naturopaths/herbalists were more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy experiencing leaking urine (OR = 2.08). Chiropractors/osteopaths were more likely to be consulted by women across all menopausal status experiencing back pain (OR = 2.52, 2.31 and 2.25 for women with oophorectomy, hysterectomy and natural menopause, respectively). CONCLUSIONS There are substantial levels of CAM practitioners' consultations amongst menopausal women, with a range of menopause-related symptoms associated with the use of specific CAM practitioner modalities. It is important that health-care providers are mindful of CAM practitioner use in order to ensure safe, effective and coordinated treatment and support for menopausal women in their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Peng
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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14
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Taylor-Swanson L, Thomas A, Ismail R, Schnall JG, Cray L, Mitchell ES, Woods NF. Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on symptom clusters during the menopausal transition. Climacteric 2014; 18:142-56. [DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2014.937687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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15
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Wang Q, Li WH, Zhou QH, Tang XD, Zhang XX, Shu S. Weight reduction effects of acupuncture for obese women with or without perimenopausal syndrome: a pilot observational study. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2013; 40:1157-66. [PMID: 23227788 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to compare the weight reduction effects of acupuncture for obese women with or without perimenopausal syndrome. We observed 60 women with either simple obesity or perimenopausal obesity (obesity complicated with perimenopausal syndrome) treated by five acupuncture treatments given in the first week of three successive four-week treatment courses, and obesity indexes including body weight, body mass index, obesity degree and waist/hip ratio were evaluated. Versus baseline, the obesity indexes decreased at the end of each treatment course in women with simple obesity (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), while women with perimenopausal obesity showed no decrease at the end of the first course of treatment, and these indexes decreased at the end of the second and the third courses of treatment (p < 0.05). There was no difference when comparing obesity indexes recorded at the end of three courses of treatment and at the end of three-month follow-up between women with simple obesity and those with perimenopausal obesity. The results suggest that acupuncture reduced body weight in the obese women, and the weight loss occurred earlier in the treatment process for simple obesity than perimenopausal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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16
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Running A, Smith-Gagen J, Wellhoner M, Mars G. Acupuncture and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Time-Series Study of Symptom Relief. Med Acupunct 2012. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2011.0867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Running
- Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
- College of Nursing, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
| | - Julie Smith-Gagen
- School of Community Health Services, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
| | - Mary Wellhoner
- Women's Wellness Center, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
| | - George Mars
- Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
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17
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Effectiveness of group and self-help cognitive behavior therapy in reducing problematic menopausal hot flushes and night sweats (MENOS 2): a randomized controlled trial. Menopause 2012; 19:749-59. [PMID: 22336748 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31823fe835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and guided self-help CBT in reducing hot flush and night sweat (HF/NS) problem rating at 6 and 26 weeks after randomization. METHODS This was a randomized control trial of 140 women having 10 or more problematic HF/NS a week for at least a month. The primary outcome was HF/NS problem rating (1-10) at 6 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcomes were physiologically measured HF/NS at 6 weeks; HF/NS problem rating at 6 weeks; and frequency, mood (Women's Health Questionnaire), and health-related quality of life (General Health Survey Short Form-36) at 6 and 26 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis was used, and between-group differences were estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS Baseline mean (SD) HF/NS weekly frequency was 63.15 (49.24), and problem rating was 5.87 (2.28). Group and self-help CBT both significantly reduced HF/NS problem rating at 6 weeks-group CBT versus no treatment control (NTC; adjusted mean difference, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.36-2.88; P < 0.001) and self-help CBT versus NTC (adjusted mean difference, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.29-2.86; P < 0.001)-and at 26 weeks-group CBT versus NTC (adjusted mean difference, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.54-2.13; P = 0.001) and self-help CBT versus NTC (adjusted mean difference, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.36-2.02; P = 0.005). Group and self-help CBT significantly reduced night sweat frequency at 6 and 26 weeks. There were improvements in mood and quality of life at 6 weeks and improved emotional and physical functioning for group CBT at 26 weeks. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that CBT delivered in group or self-help format is an effective treatment option for women during the menopause transition and postmenopause with problematic HF/NS.
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18
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Hachul H, Garcia TKP, Maciel AL, Yagihara F, Tufik S, Bittencourt L. Acupuncture improves sleep in postmenopause in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Climacteric 2012; 16:36-40. [DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2012.698432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Hachul
- *Departamento de Psicobiologia
- Departamento de Ginecologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)
- Departamento de Ginecologia, Casa de Saúde Santa Marcelina, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Baumelou A, Liu B, Wang XY, Nie GN. Perspectives in clinical research of acupuncture on menopausal symptoms. Chin J Integr Med 2011; 17:893-7. [PMID: 22139540 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-011-0930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Seventy percentage of perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women will experience menopause symptoms. Primary menopause symptoms in Western countries included hot flashes, insomnia, somatic pain, depression, and fatigue. Hot flashes were most commonly treated. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) continues to have a clinical role in the management of vasomotor symptoms, but since 2002 there has been a marked global decline in its use due to concerns about the risks and benefits of HRT; consequently many women with menopause symptoms are now seeking alternatives including acupuncture. Acupuncture has a long tradition of use for the treatment of different menopause symptoms. Its effectiveness has been studied for natural menopause or chemical and surgery induced menopause. Here we provide an update on recent advances in the field for clinicians. The recent systematic reviews on acupuncture in menopausal symptoms suggest that acupuncture is an effective and valuable option for women suffering from menopause. However, the science of acupuncture therapies is still inadequate to sufficiently support the benefits of acupuncture therapies. Finally, we discuss our points of view on clinical trials of acupuncture for menopause symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Baumelou
- Center of Integrated Chinese Medicine, La Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris VI University (Pierre and Marie Curie University), France.
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20
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Kim DI, Jeong JC, Kim KH, Rho JJ, Choi MS, Yoon SH, Choi SM, Kang KW, Ahn HY, Lee MS. Acupuncture for hot flushes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a randomised, sham-controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2011; 29:249-56. [PMID: 21653660 DOI: 10.1136/aim.2011.004085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of acupuncture in treating hot flushes in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women. METHODS The study was a randomised single-blind sham-controlled clinical trial. Perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with moderate or severe hot flushes were randomised to receive real or sham acupuncture. Both groups underwent a 4-week run-in period before the treatment. The real acupuncture group received 11 acupuncture treatments for 7 weeks, and the control group underwent sham acupuncture on non-acupuncture points during the same period. Both groups were followed for 8 weeks after the end of treatment period. Changes from baseline in the hot flush scores at week 7, measured by multiplying the hot flush frequency and severity, were the primary outcome. Hot flush frequency, severity and menopause-related symptoms measured with the Menopause Rating Scale Questionnaire were regarded as secondary outcomes. RESULTS 54 participants were randomised into the real acupuncture group (n=27) and the sham acupuncture group (n=27). The mean change in hot flush scores was -6.4±5.2 in the real acupuncture group and -5.6±9.2 in the sham group at week 7 from values at the start of the acupuncture treatment (10.0±8.1 vs 11.7±12.6), respectively (p=0.0810). No serious adverse events were observed during the whole study period. CONCLUSIONS Compared to sham acupuncture, acupuncture failed to show significantly different effects on the hot flush scores but showed partial benefits on the hot flush severity. Further consideration is needed to develop appropriate strategies for distinguishing non-specific effects from observed overall effectiveness of acupuncture for hot flushes. Whether acupuncture has point-specific effects for hot flushes should be also considered in designing future researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Il Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Traditional Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715, South Korea.
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