Stadler J, Raith W, Mileder LP, Schmölzer GM, Urlesberger B. Invasive and non-invasive acupuncture techniques for pain management in neonates: a systematic review.
Acupunct Med 2019;
37:201-210. [PMID:
31271304 DOI:
10.1136/acupmed-2017-011549]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Neonatal pain is an extensive research field and there are many possibilities to treat pain in neonates. Acupuncture is one new and non-pharmacological option and a promising tool to reduce pain in neonates undergoing minor painful interventions during routine medical care.
OBJECTIVES
This review summarises trials of acupuncture for pain reduction in neonates undergoing painful interventions during routine medical care.
DATA SOURCE
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, electronic clinical trials registry platforms and reference lists were systematically screened for trials from their dates of inception to February 2017 (English language database search).
STUDY SELECTION
Inclusion criteria were (1) preterm or term neonates, (2) acupuncture for painful medical interventions and (3) formal pain assessment as a primary or secondary study outcome. We included only randomised controlled trials.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data were extracted using a standardised protocol and individual risk of bias was assessed.
RESULTS
The literature search revealed a total of 12 196 records. After application of inclusion criteria, five studies were included in this review. Two studies demonstrated significant pain reduction, one found equal outcomes in comparison to standard care, and two showed significantly higher pain scores with acupuncture alone.
LIMITATIONS
The main limitation of the results is the heterogeneity across trials in acupuncture modality, acupuncture point selection, control groups and pain assessment (heterogeneity: I2=87%).
CONCLUSION
The results of this review suggest that acupuncture may have a positive pain-relieving effect in neonates. However, due to the low number of available high-quality trials and heterogeneity across the studies it is not possible to state clear recommendations.
Collapse