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Mehta PK, Gaignard S, Schwartz A, Manson JE. Traditional and Emerging Sex-Specific Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Women. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2022; 23:288. [PMID: 39076638 PMCID: PMC11266960 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2308288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major health threat in women. While traditional CVD risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking have been recognized for over 50 years, optimal control of these risk factors remains a major challenge. Unique sex-specific risk factors such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, premature menopause and low estrogen states, and chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders also contribute to increased CVD risk in women. In addition, psychological risk factors such as stress, depression, and social determinants of health may have a disproportionately adverse impact in women. An improved understanding of traditional and emerging sex-specific CVD risk factors and management of modifiable factors is critical for clinicians who provide care for women. Early recognition and treatment of risk factors may alter the trajectory of adverse CVD events. A multi-disciplinary approach with team-based care involving multiple specialists and improved, targeted educational efforts are needed to reduce CVD risk factors and its adverse consequences in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja K. Mehta
- Emory Women’s Heart Center and Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Scott Gaignard
- J. Willis Hurst Internal Medicine Residency Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Arielle Schwartz
- J. Willis Hurst Internal Medicine Residency Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - JoAnn E. Manson
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Liu C, Wang Z, Guo T, Zhuang L, Gao X. Effect of acupuncture on menopausal hot flushes and serum hormone levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupunct Med 2021; 40:289-298. [PMID: 34894774 DOI: 10.1177/09645284211056655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flushes and its impact on serum hormone levels in menopausal women. METHODS A total of 10 databases were searched from their inception to August 2018. Reference lists of reviews and included articles were also hand-searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture, or acupuncture versus hormone therapy (HT), as treatment for menopausal hot flushes were included. Outcomes included hot flush frequency, hot flush severity and serum hormone levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. RESULTS Thirteen RCTs including 1784 patients were selected, seven of which were available for meta-analysis. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture significantly decreased hot flush frequency (mean difference (MD) -0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-1.64, -0.05], I2 = 54%) from baseline to the end of study, but did not impact end scores of hot flush frequency (MD 0.19, 95% CI [-0.61, 0.99], I2 = 0%) or severity (MD 0.02, 95% CI [-0.13, 0.17], I2 = 0%). No differences were found between acupuncture and HT in serum levels of E2 (MD 6.56, 95% CI [-3.77, 16.89], I2 = 76%), FSH (MD 1.06, 95% CI [-1.44, 3.56], I2 = 0%) or LH (MD -3.36, 95% CI [-13.37, 6.65], I2 = 89%). CONCLUSION Acupuncture may not decrease hot flush frequency, but yet appears to have similar effects on serum hormone levels as HT, that is, increased E2 and decreased FSH and LH. Considering that no firm conclusions could be drawn due to the low quality and limited number of included trials included, further high-quality RCTs need to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixing Zhuang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Gao
- The Southern Harbin Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Effect of acupuncture on menopausal hot flashes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wjam.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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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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Waldorff FB, Bang CW, Siersma V, Brodersen J, Lund KS. Factors associated with a clinically relevant reduction in menopausal symptoms of a standardized acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:29. [PMID: 33441145 PMCID: PMC7805030 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03208-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about factors associated with a clinically relevant reduction in menopausal symptoms through a brief acupuncture approach for women with moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms. Methods Post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial where participants were allocated to early versus late standardized acupuncture. Both the early group and the late group are included in this study. The late group got an identical intervention parallel staged by 6 weeks. By means of the relative importance, the effect was evaluated for both early versus late women with a 6-week follow-up. We included four symptom subscales from the validated MenoScores Questionnaire: hot flushes, day and night sweats, general sweating, menopausal-specific sleeping problems, as well as an overall score, which is the sum of the four outcomes in the analysis. Results 67 women with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms were included of whom 52 (77.6%) experienced a clinically relevant reduction in any of the four surveyed symptom subscales or overall score. 48 (71.6%) women experienced a clinically relevant reduction in any of the vasomotor symptom subscales: hot flushes, day and night sweats, general sweating. Women with vocational education were most likely to experience improvement compared to women with higher education. Beyond education, other factors of some importance for a clinically relevant reduction were no alcohol consumption, two or more births and urinary incontinence. Conclusions Level of education was the most consistent factor associated with improvement. Beyond education, other factors of some importance were no alcohol consumption, two or more births and urinary incontinence. Trial registration This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov at April 21, 2016. The registration number is NCT02746497.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans Boch Waldorff
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Research Unit of General Practice, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Christine Winther Bang
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Sorø, Denmark
| | - Kamma Sundgaard Lund
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sheng RY, Yan Y, Linh Dang H. Acupuncture for hot flashes: A literature review of randomized controlled trials conducted in the last 10 years. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_27_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Li W, Sun M, Yin X, Lao L, Kuang Z, Xu S. The effect of acupuncture on depression and its correlation with metabolic alterations: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22752. [PMID: 33120777 PMCID: PMC7581113 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has antidepressant effect and when patients were treated with EA and antidepressants, the effect could be maintained for a longer time. However, the effect of EA combined with antidepressants based on metabolism is still in the initial observation stage, which requires further research. METHODS A total of 60 patients with moderate depression were assigned into 2 groups at a ratio of 1:1, the EA group (receiving EA and antidepressants) and the control group (taking antidepressants only) in this randomized controlled pilot trial. The EA treatment was performed 3 times a week for 8 consecutive weeks and then follow up for 4 weeks. The patients' depressive mood was measured by the Hamilton Depression scale (HAMD) at baseline, week 4, week 8 and week 12. Before and after 8-week treatment, morning urine samples from all patients were analyzed by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to find possible metabolic markers of depression and of EA treatment related changes. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the EA group showed more significant improvements in depressive symptoms measured by HAMD at week 4 (16.89 ± 5.74 vs 25.58 ± 7.03, P < .001), week 8 (9.59 ± 5.13 vs 25.04 ± 7.49, P < .001) and week 12 (11.07 ± 6.85 vs 27.25 ± 7.14, P < .001). The significant differences in urinary specific metabolites before and after EA treatment were malonic acid (fatty acid biosynthesis), cysteine (glutamate metabolism), glutathione (glutamate metabolism), tryptophan (tryptophan metabolism), proline (glutamate metabolism), and N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine. These metabolites are involved in tryptophan metabolism, glutamate metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. CONCLUSION EA treatment combined with antidepressants is more effective in improving depressive symptoms than antidepressants alone. EA may treat depression by acting on tryptophan metabolism, glutamate metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-2000030786.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manqin Sun
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Yin
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Zaoyuan Kuang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou
| | - Shifen Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Soares JM, Branco-de-Luca AC, da Fonseca AM, Carvalho-Lopes CM, Arruda-Veiga EC, Roa CL, Bagnoli VR, Baracat EC. Acupuncture ameliorated vasomotor symptoms during menopausal transition: single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to test treatment efficacy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:80-85. [PMID: 32898024 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on women with vasomotor symptoms during the menopausal transition with the aid of the Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index. METHOD Crossover, single-blind, sham-controlled trial with 100 women randomly divided into two groups of 50 participants each: G1 and G2. During the first 24 weeks of treatment, the G1 women received acupuncture and the G2 women were given sham acupuncture. The crossover was then applied: the G1 participants were given sham acupuncture, and the G2 participants received acupuncture for 24 more weeks. RESULTS The mean score of hot flashes of the group who first experienced acupuncture (G1) was statistically higher than that of the group that started with sham acupuncture (G2, P = 0.020). Also, both groups had similar mean scores in the middle of the study (both were receiving acupuncture). During the last 6 months of the study, after crossover, the values of G2 (acupuncture) were lower than those of G1 (sham acupuncture). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture treatment may mitigate hot flashes and other climacteric symptoms during the menopausal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Soares
- Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lund KS, Siersma V, Bang CW, Brodersen J, Waldorff FB. Sustained effects of a brief and standardised acupuncture approach on menopausal symptoms: post hoc analysis of the ACOM randomised controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2020; 38:396-406. [PMID: 32517477 DOI: 10.1177/0964528420920280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to investigate whether the effect of a brief and standardised acupuncture approach persists after the end of the acupuncture treatment (post-treatment effect) and whether the anticipation of future acupuncture treatment affects menopausal symptoms (pre-treatment effect). METHOD This study is a post hoc analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial where women with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms were offered weekly acupuncture treatment over five consecutive weeks and randomised (1:1) to an early intervention group that received treatment immediately and a late intervention group with a 6-week delay. The acupuncture style was Western medical, administered at CV3, CV4 and bilateral LR8, SP6 and SP9. Acupuncturists were general practitioners. The effect was evaluated repeatedly during and after the interventions using scales from the validated MenoScores Questionnaire (MSQ) for hot flushes (HF), day and night sweats (DNS), general sweating (GS) and menopausal-specific sleeping problems (MSSP) with a 26-week follow-up period (corresponding to 21 or 15 weeks post-treatment for the early and late intervention groups, respectively). Multivariable linear mixed models were used to analyse the extent and duration of effects. RESULTS Seventy participants were included in the study. Four participants dropped out. Furthermore, one participant was excluded from the short- and long-term follow-up analyses after the insertion of a hormonal intrauterine device, and nine participants were excluded from the long-term follow-up analysis due to the initiation of co-interventions. For each of the four outcomes, the effect was sustained up to 21 weeks post-treatment with an effect size that was only slightly diminished. A small, but significant, pre-treatment effect was observed in the HF scale scores. The same trend, although not significant, was observed in the DNS and MSSP scale scores. No serious harms were reported. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the overall effect of a brief and standardised acupuncture treatment on menopause-relevant outcomes was sustained up to 21 weeks post-treatment and that there was a small pre-treatment effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamma Sundgaard Lund
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine Winther Bang
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Koege, Denmark
| | - Frans Boch Waldorff
- The Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
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He Q, Ren Y, Wang Y, Zhang F, Zhang S. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for perimenopause symptom compared with different sham acupuncture control groups: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19366. [PMID: 32150082 PMCID: PMC7478674 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perimenopause is a period that every woman must go through, most people are more or less affected by perimenopausal symptoms, it to affect women's health, work, life, and economy. As acupuncture treatment is more and more increasing in perimenopausal symptoms, there have also been many clinical trials about it. But the results of the trials are inconsistent. Therefore, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of perimenopausal symptoms treated with acupuncture. METHODS The protocol followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. RCT study on different acupuncture interventions for perimenopausal symptoms will be searched in 8 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the web of science, CBM, CNKI, WAN FANG, and VIP). Besides, the search will also be performed on the clinical trial research platform if necessary. The primary outcome that will be extracted: the Flushes per 24 hours, the Frequency of hot flashes, the severity of hot flashes, the menopause-related symptom score, the treatment efficacy, the adverse event. Endnote software X8 will be used for study selection, STATA 13.0 and Review Manager software 5.3 will be used for analysis and synthesis. These studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS This study will provide the results: 1. the primary and secondary outcome indicators of different acupuncture intervention measures (traditional hand acupuncture, moxibustion, ear acupuncture, laser, acupressure points) for perimenopausal symptoms. 2. The effects of different control groups (medicine control, routine care, waiting, and sham acupuncture control) on the analysis results will be reported, especially the effects of different sham acupuncture control (invasive/noninvasive) on the analysis results. CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis study hopes to provide useful evidence for better use of different types of acupuncture in treat perimenopausal symptoms and better design of control groups in related clinical trials. In addition, the research conclusion will be published in peer journals.OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VZCKU Ethics and dissemination This conclusion of the study will be published in peer journals. The ethical approval is not required because there is no direct involvement of human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiujun He
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Yajing Ren
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | | | - Feng Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sanyin Zhang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Kim TH, Lee MS, Alraek T, Birch S. Acupuncture in sham device controlled trials may not be as effective as acupuncture in the real world: a preliminary network meta-analysis of studies of acupuncture for hot flashes in menopausal women. Acupunct Med 2020; 38:37-44. [PMID: 31517500 PMCID: PMC7041625 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2018-011671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomised controlled trials of acupuncture performed using sham interventions to control for the placebo effect have mostly used two types of sham techniques: techniques with minimal insertion of acupuncture needles with no additional stimulation (shallow needling control) and techniques with sham acupuncture devices that do not penetrate the skin (sham device control). To achieve successful blinding, sham device controlled acupuncture trials also use the acupuncture base unit in the verum acupuncture group, but in the shallow needling control trials this is not necessary for the verum acupuncture treatment. OBJECTIVE In this study, we analysed the estimated comparative effectiveness of these two verum acupuncture modalities in studies of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes that used two types of sham control treatments. METHODS We conducted a network meta-analysis that included randomised controlled trials of acupuncture for hot flashes. Electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and AMED, were searched through March 2017. Data were extracted using a predefined data extraction tool by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised controlled trials. A five-node network meta-analysis was conducted based on the frequentist framework. RESULTS Eight studies were included in this review. From the network meta-analysis, we found that verum acupuncture in the shallow needling controlled trials was more effective than verum acupuncture in the sham device controlled trials (SMD -7.27, 95% CI-9.11 to -5.43). Significant heterogeneity and inconsistency were not observed among the included studies or the comparisons. CONCLUSIONS From this preliminary analysis, we found that different types of verum acupuncture may have different effect sizes with respect to the severity of menopausal hot flashes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Hun Kim
- Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Korean Medicine Hospital, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Allied Health Sciences, School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terje Alraek
- Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Stephen Birch
- Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway
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Radzinsky VE, Uspenskaya Y, Shulman LP, Kuznetsova IV. Succinate-Based Dietary Supplement for Menopausal Symptoms: A Pooled Analysis of Two Identical Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials. Obstet Gynecol Int 2019; 2019:1572196. [PMID: 31781230 PMCID: PMC6875258 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1572196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the efficacy of a succinate-based dietary supplement (SBDS; Amberen) in symptomatic menopausal women using a larger sample size derived by pooling data from two identical trials. METHODS Raw data were pooled from two identical randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 90-day clinical trials. Women aged 42-60 years with mild to moderate vasomotor and psychosomatic menopausal symptoms were included (114 in the treatment group and 113 in the placebo group). Symptoms were assessed by the Greene Climacteric Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Changes in body mass index, body weight, waist and hip circumferences, and plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, leptin, and apolipoproteins A1 and B were also evaluated. RESULTS SBDS use resulted in significant improvements in several endpoints including alleviation of 16 of 21 menopausal symptoms (p ≤ 0.05, Greene Scale) and a decrease in anxiety (p < 0.0001, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) when compared to placebo. Significant reductions were observed in weight, body mass index, and waist and hip circumferences in the supplement cohort. Evaluation of physiological parameters showed a significant increase in serum estradiol levels compared to baseline (p < 0.0001) among users of the SBDS. Levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone decreased slightly in both groups, without significant differences between the groups. Leptin levels decreased with statistical significance in the SBDS cohort compared to placebo (p=0.027). For those with initial leptin concentrations above the reference range, leptin decreased significantly in the SBDS group compared to the baseline (p < 0.0001) and to placebo (p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS The pooled analysis reaffirms the outcomes from the individual trials. A nonhormonal, succinate-based dietary supplement is shown to relieve menopausal symptoms when compared to a placebo regimen in a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor E. Radzinsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with a Course of Perinatology, The Peoples' Friendship University of Russia Medical Institute, Mikluho-Maklaya St. 8, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Uspenskaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Elanskogo Str. 2, bld. 1, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lee P. Shulman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, 250 East Superior Street, Room 05-2174, Chicago, USA
| | - Irina V. Kuznetsova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Elanskogo Str. 2, bld. 1, Moscow, Russia
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Kargozar R, Salari R, Jarahi L, Yousefi M, Pourhoseini SA, Sahebkar-Khorasani M, Azizi H. Urtica dioica in comparison with placebo and acupuncture: A new possibility for menopausal hot flashes: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Med 2019; 44:166-173. [PMID: 31126551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of Urtica dioica in comparison with placebo, acupuncture and combined therapy on hot flashes and quality of life in postmenopausal women. METHODS In a double-blinded randomized controlled trial, patients were treated for 7 weeks then followed up 4 weeks. Seventy-two postmenopausal women who reported at least 20 hot flashes attacks per week were randomly allocated into one of the 4 groups of Urtica dioica 450 mg/day and acupuncture 11 sessions (A), acupuncture and placebo (B), sham acupuncture and Urtica dioica (C), and sham acupuncture and placebo (D). The primary outcomes were the change in hot flashes score from baseline to the end of treatment and follow up; and the change in the quality of life (MENQOL) from baseline to the end of treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in FSH, LH, and ESTRADIOL levels from baseline to the end of treatment. The trial was conducted from October 2017 to July 2018 in Acupuncture clinic of a teaching hospital in Iran. RESULTS A total of 72 women 45-60 years old were enrolled, and 68 were included in the analyses. The median (IQR) hot flashes score decreased in the A group by 20.2 (31.7) and 21.1 (25.1), B group by 19 (18) and 17.3 (27), C group by 14.6 (25.4) and 20.8 (13), and D group by 1.6 (11.6) and 1 (13.3) at the end of treatment and follow up (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001); no significant difference between A, B and C groups. The mean (SD) of MENQOL score decreased in the A group by 42.6 (21.1), B group by 40.7 (29.8), C group by 37.8 (26.8) and D group by 9.8 (14.3) at the end of treatment (P = 0.001); no significant difference between A, B and C groups. CONCLUSIONS Urtica dioica can decrease menopausal hot flashes and increase the quality of life of postmenopausal women better than placebo-sham control but same as acupuncture. The combination of Urtica dioica and acupuncture did not add to the effects of those therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahele Kargozar
- School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Roshanak Salari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Lida Jarahi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Yousefi
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Azam Pourhoseini
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Hoda Azizi
- Department of Chinese and Complementary Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Lund KS, Siersma V, Brodersen J, Waldorff FB. Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms: a pragmatic randomised study in primary care (the ACOM study). BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023637. [PMID: 30782712 PMCID: PMC6501989 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of a standardised brief acupuncture approach for women with moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms. DESIGN Randomised and controlled, with 1:1 allocation to the intervention group or the control group. The assessor and the statistician were blinded. SETTING Nine Danish primary care practices. PARTICIPANTS 70 women with moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms and nine general practitioners with accredited education in acupuncture. INTERVENTION The acupuncture style was western medical with a standardised approach in the predefined acupuncture points CV-3, CV-4, LR-8, SP-6 and SP-9. The intervention group received one treatment for five consecutive weeks. The control group was offered treatment after 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes were the differences between the randomisation groups in changes to mean scores using the scales in the MenoScores Questionnaire, measured from baseline to week 6. The primary outcome was the hot flushes scale; the secondary outcomes were the other scales in the questionnaire. All analyses were based on intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS 36 participants received the intervention, and 34 participants were in the control group. Four participants dropped out before week 6. The acupuncture intervention significantly decreased hot flushes: Δ -1.6 (95% CI [-2.3 to -0.8]; p<0.0001), day-and-night sweats: Δ -1.2 (95% CI [-2.0 to -0.4]; p=0.0056), general sweating: Δ -0.9(95% CI [-1.6 to -0.2]; p=0.0086), menopausal-specific sleeping problems: Δ -1.8 (95% CI [-2.7 to -1.0]; p<0.0001), emotional symptoms: Δ -3.4 (95% CI [-5.3 to -1.4]; p=0.0008), physical symptoms: Δ -1.7 (95% CI [-3 to -0.4]; p=0.010) and skin and hair symptoms: Δ -1.5 (95% CI [-2.5 to -0.6]; p=0.0021) compared with the control group at the 6-week follow-up. The pattern of decrease in hot flushes, emotional symptoms, skin and hair symptoms was already apparent 3 weeks into the study. Mild potential adverse effects were reported by four participants, but no severe adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The standardised and brief acupuncture treatment produced a fast and clinically relevant reduction in moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms during the six-week intervention. No severe adverse effects were reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02746497; Results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamma Sundgaard Lund
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frans Boch Waldorff
- The Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Avis NE, Levine BJ, Danhauer S, Coeytaux RR. A pooled analysis of three studies of nonpharmacological interventions for menopausal hot flashes. Menopause 2018; 26:350-356. [PMID: 30363012 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to conduct a pooled analysis of three published trials of nonpharmacological interventions for menopausal hot flashes to compare the effectiveness of interventions. METHODS Data from three randomized controlled trials of interventions for hot flashes (two acupuncture trials, one yoga trial) were pooled. All three studies recruited perimenopausal or postmenopausal women experiencing ≥4 hot flashes/d on average. The primary outcome for all three studies was frequency of hot flashes as measured by the Daily Diary of Hot Flashes. Study 1 participants were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of acupuncture treatments (active intervention), sham acupuncture (attention control), or usual care. Study 2 participants were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of yoga classes, health and wellness education classes (attention control), or waitlist control. Study 3 randomly assigned participants to 6 months of acupuncture or waitlist control. To standardize the time frame for these analyses, only the first 8 weeks of intervention from all three studies were used. RESULTS The three active interventions and the two attention control groups had statistically similar trends in the percentage reduction of hot flashes over 8 weeks, ranging from 35% to 40%. These five groups did not differ significantly from each other, but all showed significantly greater reduction in hot flash frequency compared with the three usual care/waitlist groups. CONCLUSION Acupuncture, yoga, and health and wellness education classes all demonstrated statistically similar effectiveness in reduction of hot flash frequency compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy E Avis
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Beverly J Levine
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Suzanne Danhauer
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Remy R Coeytaux
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Electroacupuncture for Perimenopause Women with Mild-Moderate Depression. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:5351210. [PMID: 30003102 PMCID: PMC5996410 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5351210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective Up to 62% of perimenopausal women have depression symptoms. However, there is no efficacy treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of EA therapy and escitalopram on perimenopause women with mild-moderate depressive symptom. Method A multicenter, randomized, positive-controlled clinical trial was conducted at 6 hospitals in China. 242 perimenopause women with mild-moderate depressive symptom were recruited and randomly assigned to receive 36 sessions of EA treatment or escitalopram treatment. The primary outcome measure was the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). The secondary outcome measures include menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) and serum sexual hormones which include estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Results 221 (91.3%) completed the study, including 116 in the EA group and 105 in the escitalopram group. The baseline levels of demographic and outcome measurements were similar in the two groups. In the intervention period, there was no difference between two groups. However, in the follow-up, both HAMD-17 and MENQOL were significantly decreased, and at week 24 the mean differences were -2.23 and -8.97, respectively. There were no significant differences in the change of serum sexual hormones between the two groups. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion EA treatment is effective and safe in relieving depression symptom and improving the quality of life in the perimenopausal depression. Further research is needed to understand long-term efficacy and explore the mechanism of this intervention. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02423694.
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Acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes: clinical evidence update and its relevance to decision making. Menopause 2018; 24:980-987. [PMID: 28350757 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is conflicting evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes. This article synthesizes the best available evidence for when women are considering whether acupuncture might be useful for menopausal hot flashes. METHODS We searched electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews of acupuncture for menopausal hot flushes. RESULTS The overall evidence demonstrates that acupuncture is effective when compared with no treatment, but not efficacious compared with sham. Methodological challenges such as the complex nature of acupuncture treatment, the physiological effects from sham, and the significant efficacy of placebo therapy generally in treating hot flashes all impact on these considerations. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture improves menopausal hot flashes compared with no treatment; however, not compared with sham acupuncture. This is also consistent with the evidence that a range of placebo interventions improve menopausal symptoms. As clinicians play a vital role in assisting evidence-informed decisions, we need to ensure women understand the evidence and can integrate it with personal preferences. Some women may choose acupuncture for hot flashes, a potentially disabling condition without long-term adverse health consequences. Yet, women should do so understanding the evidence, and its strengths and weaknesses, around both effective medical therapies and acupuncture. Likewise, cost to the individual and the health system needs to be considered in the context of value-based health care.
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Befus D, Coeytaux RR, Goldstein KM, McDuffie JR, Shepherd-Banigan M, Goode AP, Kosinski A, Van Noord MG, Adam SS, Masilamani V, Nagi A, Williams JW. Management of Menopause Symptoms with Acupuncture: An Umbrella Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:314-323. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Befus
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Remy R. Coeytaux
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Karen M. Goldstein
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Jennifer R. McDuffie
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Adam P. Goode
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Andrzej Kosinski
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
| | | | - Soheir S. Adam
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Varsha Masilamani
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Avishek Nagi
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - John W. Williams
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Comparative effectiveness of electro-acupuncture versus gabapentin for sleep disturbances in breast cancer survivors with hot flashes: a randomized trial. Menopause 2018; 24:517-523. [PMID: 27875389 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sleep disturbance is a major consequence of hot flashes among breast cancer survivors. This study evaluated the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) versus gabapentin (GP) for sleep disturbances among breast cancer survivors experiencing daily hot flashes. METHODS We analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial involving 58 breast cancer survivors experiencing bothersome hot flashes at least two times per day. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of EA or daily GP (total dose of 900 mg/d). The primary outcome was change in the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score between groups at week 8. Secondary outcomes include specific PSQI domains. RESULTS By the end of treatment at week 8, the mean reduction in PSQI total score was significantly greater in the EA group than the GP group (-2.6 vs -0.8, P = 0.044). The EA also had improved sleep latency (-0.5 vs 0.1, P = 0.041) and sleep efficiency (-0.6 vs 0.0, P = 0.05) compared with the GP group. By week 8, the EA group had improved sleep duration, less sleep disturbance, shorter sleep latency, decreased daytime dysfunction, improved sleep efficiency, and better sleep quality (P < 0.05 for all) compared with baseline, whereas the GP group improved in duration and sleep quality only (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Among women experiencing hot flashes, the effects of EA are comparable with GP for improving sleep quality, specifically in the areas of sleep latency and efficiency. Larger randomized controlled trials with longer follow-ups are needed to confirm this preliminary finding.
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Trajectories of response to acupuncture for menopausal vasomotor symptoms: the Acupuncture in Menopause study. Menopause 2018; 24:171-179. [PMID: 27676631 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the trajectories of responses to acupuncture treatment for menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and the characteristics of women in each trajectory. METHODS Two hundred nine perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years experiencing at least four VMS per day were recruited and randomized to receive up to 20 acupuncture treatments within 6 months or to a waitlist control group. The primary outcome was percent change from baseline in the mean daily VMS frequency. Finite mixture modeling was used to identify patterns of percent change in weekly VMS frequencies over the first 8 weeks. The Freeman-Holton test and analysis of variance were used to compare characteristics of women in different trajectories. RESULTS Analyses revealed four distinct trajectories of change in VMS frequency by week 8 in the acupuncture group. A small group of women (11.6%, n = 19) had an 85% reduction in VMS. The largest group (47%, n = 79) reported a 47% reduction in VMS frequency, 37.3% (n = 65) of the sample showed only a 9.6% reduction in VMS frequency, and a very small group (4.1%, n = 7) had a 100% increase in VMS. Among women in the waitlist control group, 79.5% reported a 10% decrease in VMS frequency at week 8. Baseline number of VMS, number of acupuncture treatments in the first 8 weeks, and traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis were significantly related to trajectory group membership in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the treated sample reported a decline in VMS frequency, but identifying clear predictors of clinical response to acupuncture treatment of menopausal VMS remains challenging.
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Use of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire in research and clinical practice: a comprehensive scoping review. Menopause 2018; 23:1038-51. [PMID: 27300115 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was developed as a validated research tool to measure condition-specific QOL in early postmenopausal women. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review to explore the extent of MENQOL's use in research and clinical practice to assess its value in providing effective, adequate, and comparable participant assessment information. METHODS Thirteen biomedical and clinical databases were systematically searched with "menqol" as a search term to find articles using MENQOL or its validated derivative MENQOL-Intervention as investigative or clinical tools from 1996 to November 2014 inclusive. Review articles, conference abstracts, proceedings, dissertations, and incomplete trials were excluded. Additional articles were collected from references within key articles. Three independent reviewers extracted data reflecting study design, intervention, sample characteristics, MENQOL questionnaire version, modifications and language, recall period, and analysis detail. Data analyses included categorization and descriptive statistics. RESULTS The review included 220 eligible papers of various study designs, covering 39 countries worldwide and using MENQOL translated into more than 25 languages. A variety of modifications to the original questionnaire were identified, including omission or addition of items and alterations to the validated methodological analysis. No papers were found that described MENQOL's use in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Our study found an extensive and steadily increasing use of MENQOL in clinical and epidemiological research over 18 years postpublication. Our results stress the importance of proper reporting and validation of translations and variations to ensure outcome comparison and transparency of MENQOL's use. The value of MENQOL in clinical practice remains unknown.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the short and long-term effects of acupuncture on vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and quality of life-related measures. METHODS A total of 209 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years, experiencing four or more VMS per day, were recruited from the community and randomized to receive up to 20 acupuncture treatments within the first 6 months (acupuncture group) or the second 6 months (waitlist control group) of the 12-month study period. The primary outcome was mean daily frequency of VMS. Secondary outcomes were VMS interference with daily life, sleep quality, depressive symptoms, somatic and other symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life. RESULTS The VMS frequency declined by 36.7% at 6 months in the acupuncture group and increased by 6.0% in the control group (P < 0.001 for between-group comparison). At 12 months, the reduction from baseline in the acupuncture group was 29.4% (P < 0.001 for within-group comparison from baseline to 12 months), suggesting that the reduction was largely maintained after treatment. Statistically significant clinical improvement was observed after three acupuncture treatments, and maximal clinical effects occurred after a median of eight treatments. Persistent improvements were seen in many quality of life-related outcomes in the acupuncture group relative to the control group. CONCLUSIONS We found that a course of acupuncture treatments was associated with significant reduction in VMS, and several quality-of-life measures, compared with no acupuncture, and that clinical benefit persisted for at least 6 months beyond the end of treatment.
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Traditional acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Integr Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Cardiac autonomic function and vasomotor symptoms: too much break and not enough accelerator? Menopause 2017; 24:719-721. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Cha M, Chae Y, Bai SJ, Lee BH. Spatiotemporal changes of optical signals in the somatosensory cortex of neuropathic rats after electroacupuncture stimulation. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:33. [PMID: 28068994 PMCID: PMC5223459 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Peripheral nerve injury causes physiological changes in primary afferent neurons. Neuropathic pain associated with peripheral nerve injuries may reflect changes in the excitability of the nervous system, including the spinothalamic tract. Current alternative medical research indicates that acupuncture stimulation has analgesic effects in various pain symptoms. However, activation changes in the somatosensory cortex of the brain by acupuncture stimulation remain poorly understood. The present study was conducted to monitor the changes in cortical excitability, using optical imaging with voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) in neuropathic rats after electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (intact), sham injury, and neuropathic pain rats. Under pentobarbital anesthesia, rats were subjected to nerve injury with tight ligation and incision of the tibial and sural nerves in the left hind paw. For optical imaging, the rats were re-anesthetized with urethane, and followed by craniotomy. The exposed primary somatosensory cortex (S1) was stained with VSD for one hour. Optical signals were recorded from the S1 cortex, before and after EA stimulation on Zusanli (ST36) and Yinlingquan (SP9). Results After peripheral stimulation, control and sham injury rats did not show significant signal changes in the S1 cortex. However, inflamed and amplified neural activities were observed in the S1 cortex of nerve-injured rats. Furthermore, the optical signals and region of activation in the S1 cortex were reduced substantially after EA stimulation, and recovered in a time-dependent manner. The peak fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced until 90 min after EA stimulation (Pre-EA: 0.25 ± 0.04 and Post-EA 0 min: 0.01 ± 0.01), and maximum activated area was also significantly attenuated until 60 min after EA stimulation (Pre-EA: 37.2 ± 1.79 and Post-EA 0 min: 0.01 ± 0.10). Conclusion Our results indicate that EA stimulation has inhibitory effects on excitatory neuronal signaling in the S1 cortex, caused by noxious stimulation in neuropathic pain. These findings suggest that EA stimulation warrants further study as a potential adjuvant modulation of neuropathic pain.
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Nonhormonal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: 2015 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2016; 22:1155-72; quiz 1173-4. [PMID: 26382310 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update and expand The North American Menopause Society's evidence-based position on nonhormonal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms (VMS), previously a portion of the position statement on the management of VMS. METHODS NAMS enlisted clinical and research experts in the field and a reference librarian to identify and review available evidence. Five different electronic search engines were used to cull relevant literature. Using the literature, experts created a document for final approval by the NAMS Board of Trustees. RESULTS Nonhormonal management of VMS is an important consideration when hormone therapy is not an option, either because of medical contraindications or a woman's personal choice. Nonhormonal therapies include lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, dietary management and supplements, prescription therapies, and others. The costs, time, and effort involved as well as adverse effects, lack of long-term studies, and potential interactions with medications all need to be carefully weighed against potential effectiveness during decision making. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians need to be well informed about the level of evidence available for the wide array of nonhormonal management options currently available to midlife women to help prevent underuse of effective therapies or use of inappropriate or ineffective therapies. Recommended: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and, to a lesser extent, clinical hypnosis have been shown to be effective in reducing VMS. Paroxetine salt is the only nonhormonal medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of VMS, although other selective serotonin reuptake/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentinoids, and clonidine show evidence of efficacy. Recommend with caution: Some therapies that may be beneficial for alleviating VMS are weight loss, mindfulness-based stress reduction, the S-equol derivatives of soy isoflavones, and stellate ganglion block, but additional studies of these therapies are warranted. Do not recommend at this time: There are negative, insufficient, or inconclusive data suggesting the following should not be recommended as proven therapies for managing VMS: cooling techniques, avoidance of triggers, exercise, yoga, paced respiration, relaxation, over-the-counter supplements and herbal therapies, acupuncture, calibration of neural oscillations, and chiropractic interventions. Incorporating the available evidence into clinical practice will help ensure that women receive evidence-based recommendations along with appropriate cautions for appropriate and timely management of VMS.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insomnia both as a symptom and as part of chronic insomnia disorder is quite common in menopause. Comorbid conditions, such as restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea, occur with high prevalence among perimenopausal women with insomnia. Insomnia in this population group is associated with adverse health outcomes, and there are no clear standards on how to treat it. METHODS Based on extensive literature search, 76 articles were identified. Two authors independently graded evidence according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. RESULTS Evaluation and treatment of other comorbid sleep disorders are recommended, as is cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia. Hormone therapy, eszopiclone, escitalopram, gabapentin, isoflavones, valerian, exercise, and hypnosis are suggested. Zolpidem, quiteiapine XL, citalopram, mirtazapine followed by long-acting melatonin, ramelteon, Pycnogenol, Phyto-Female Complex, yoga, and massage may be considered. Kampo formulas are not recommended. Acupuncture may not be suggested, and cognitive-behavioral therapy that is not tailored for insomnia probably should not be considered. CONCLUSIONS Although a variety of interventions are shown to be helpful in improving sleep in menopause, there is a need for well-designed head-to-head trials with uniform outcome measures.
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Acupuncture to Treat Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:563236. [PMID: 26366181 PMCID: PMC4561166 DOI: 10.1155/2015/563236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disorders are commonly observed among postmenopausal women, with negative effects on their quality of life. The search for complementary therapies for sleep disorders during postmenopausal period is of high importance, and acupuncture stands out as an appropriate possibility. The present review intended to systematically evaluate the available literature, compiling studies that have employed acupuncture as treatment to sleep disorders in postmenopausal women. A bibliographic search was performed in PubMed/Medline and Scopus. Articles which had acupuncture as intervention, sleep related measurements as outcomes, and postmenopausal women as target population were included and evaluated according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool and to the STRICTA guidelines. Out of 89 search results, 12 articles composed our final sample. A high heterogeneity was observed among these articles, which prevented us from performing a meta-analysis. Selected articles did not present high risk of bias and had a satisfactory compliance rate with STRICTA guidelines. In general, these studies presented improvements in sleep-related variables. Despite the overall positive effects, acupuncture still cannot be stated as a reliable treatment for sleep-related complaints, not due to inefficacy, but rather limited evidence. Nevertheless, results are promising and new comprehensive and controlled studies in the field are encouraged.
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Effects of stellate ganglion block on vasomotor symptoms: findings from a randomized controlled clinical trial in postmenopausal women. Menopause 2015; 21:807-14. [PMID: 24496086 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uncontrolled intervention studies, including studies involving breast cancer survivors, have demonstrated improvements in vasomotor symptoms (VMS) after stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) with a local anesthetic. This study presents the first randomized sham-controlled trial of SGB for the treatment of VMS. METHODS Participants included 40 postmenopausal women, aged 30 to 70 years, with moderate to severe VMS. The study was a randomized sham-controlled trial comparing the effects of SGB versus sham injection on the frequencies of total and moderate to severe VMS, as measured by daily diaries. Image-guided SGB was performed with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. Sham injection of saline was performed in subcutaneous tissues in the neck. VMS were recorded at baseline and for 6 months thereafter. Objective VMS were recorded using ambulatory sternal skin conductance monitoring during a 24-hour period at baseline and on 3-month follow-up. RESULTS There were no significant group differences in overall VMS frequency, but the frequency of moderate to very severe VMS was reduced more in the active group compared with the sham treatment group (event rate ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35-0.71; P < 0.001). The frequency of objective VMS was also reduced to a greater degree in the SGB group than in the sham group (event rate ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.64-0.99; P < 0.05). There were no study-related serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS SGB may provide effective treatment of VMS in women who seek nonhormonal treatments because of safety concerns and personal preference. The finding that SGB significantly reduces objectively measured VMS provides further evidence of efficacy. A larger trial is warranted to confirm these findings.
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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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Mehta PK, Wei J, Wenger NK. Ischemic heart disease in women: a focus on risk factors. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2015; 25:140-51. [PMID: 25453985 PMCID: PMC4336825 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart disease remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in women in the United States and worldwide. This review highlights known and emerging risk factors for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women. Traditional Framingham risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, as well as lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are all modifiable. Health care providers should be aware of emerging cardiac risk factors in women such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, systemic autoimmune disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, and radiation-induced heart disease; psychosocial factors such as mental stress, depression, anxiety, low socioeconomic status, and work and marital stress play an important role in IHD in women. Appropriate recognition and management of an array of risk factors is imperative given the growing burden of IHD and need to deliver cost-effective, quality care for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja K Mehta
- Barbra Streisand Women׳s Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, 127S San Vicente Boulevard, A 3212, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
| | - Janet Wei
- Barbra Streisand Women׳s Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, 127S San Vicente Boulevard, A 3212, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Nanette K Wenger
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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Taylor-Young P, Miller D, Ganzini L, Golden S, Hansen L. Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Acupuncture in Veterans with Hepatitis C: A Pilot Study. Med Acupunct 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2013.1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Taylor-Young
- Nursing Research Department, and Operative Care, Mental Health, Research Department, Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland, OR
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Diane Miller
- Nursing Research Department, and Operative Care, Mental Health, Research Department, Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland, OR
| | - Linda Ganzini
- Nursing Research Department, and Operative Care, Mental Health, Research Department, Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland, OR
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Sara Golden
- Nursing Research Department, and Operative Care, Mental Health, Research Department, Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland, OR
| | - Lissi Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Peng W, Sibbritt DW, Hickman L, Kong X, Yang L, Adams J. A critical review of traditional Chinese medicine use amongst women with menopausal symptoms. Climacteric 2014; 17:635-44. [PMID: 24678630 DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2014.904850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide the first critical review of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use amongst symptomatic menopausal women, drawing upon work examining the perspectives of both TCM users and TCM practitioners. METHODS A search was conducted in three English-language databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and AMED) and three Chinese-language databases (CNKI, VIP and CBM Disc) for 2002-2013 international peer-reviewed articles reporting empirical findings of TCM use in menopause. RESULTS A total of 25 journal articles reporting 22 studies were identified as meeting the review inclusion criteria. Chinese herbal medicine appears to be the most common therapy amongst symptomatic menopausal women, and vasomotor symptoms and emotional changes are the most frequent symptoms for which TCM is sought. However, evidence regarding the prevalence of TCM use and users' profile in menopause is limited. Existing studies are of varied methodological quality, often reporting low response rate, extensive recall bias and a lack of syndrome differentiation. CONCLUSIONS This review provides insights for practitioners and health policy-makers regarding TCM care to symptomatic menopausal women. More nationally representative studies are required to rigorously examine TCM use for the management of menopausal symptoms. Syndrome differentiation of menopausal women is an area which also warrants further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Peng
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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Li Y, Zheng H, Zheng Q, Zhao L, Qin E, Wang Y, Zeng Q, Zheng H, Zhao Y, Sun W, Zhang X, Liu Z, Liu B. Use acupuncture to relieve perimenopausal syndrome: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2014; 15:198. [PMID: 24886348 PMCID: PMC4055374 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether acupuncture is effective for relieving perimenopausal syndrome has been controversial recently. In this article, we report the protocol of a randomized controlled trial using acupuncture to treat perimenopausal syndrome, aiming to answer this controversy. DESIGN A multicenter randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms is underway in China. Two hundred and six women with perimenopausal syndrome will be randomly assigned to a treatment group using acupuncture plus auricular acupressure (AA group) and a control group using Climen (Bayer Healthcare Company Limited, Guangzhou, China), a 28-day sequential hormone replacement therapy, in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the AA group will receive three acupuncture sessions per week in the first 4 weeks and two sessions per week in the following 8 weeks, for a total of 28 sessions over 12 weeks. Auricular points will be plastered by Semen Vaccariae twice per week for a consecutive 12 weeks, with both ears used alternately. The Climen control group is prescribed a tablet containing estradiol valerate 2 mg/day for the first 11 days, and a tablet containing estradiol valerate 2 mg/day plus cyroterone acetate 1 mg/day for the following 10 days. The total treatment period of the control group is three cycles. The post-treatment follow-up period will last 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) assessed at baseline and 4, 12, 16, 24 and 36 weeks after randomization. The secondary outcomes are Menopause-Specific Quality of Life, average hot flash score during 24 hours, serum estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone level. The first two secondary outcomes are measured at the same point as the MRS. Other secondary outcomes are measured at baseline and 12, 24 weeks after randomization. DISCUSSION The results of this trial, which will be available in 2015, will clarify whether acupuncture is effective to relieve perimenopausal syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01933204 (registered 9 August 2013).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, PR China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, PR China
| | - Qianhua Zheng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, PR China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, PR China
| | - Erqi Qin
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, PR China
- General Hospital of Chengdu Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, 270 Tianhui Road, Rongdu Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 610083, PR China
| | - Qian Zeng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 39 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
| | - Huabin Zheng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 39 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Chengdu Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital, 18 North Wanxiang Road, Gaoxin District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610016, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shi’er Qiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, PR China
| | - Zhishun Liu
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 5 BeiXianGe Street, XiCheng District, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Baoyan Liu
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 5 BeiXianGe Street, XiCheng District, Beijing 100053, PR China
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Baccetti S, Da Frè M, Becorpi A, Faedda M, Guerrera A, Monechi MV, Munizzi RM, Parazzini F. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for hot flushes in menopause: a randomized trial. J Altern Complement Med 2014; 20:550-7. [PMID: 24827469 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2012.0499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on hot flushes and other menopause-related symptoms used in an integrated system, including such therapeutic techniques as diet therapy and Tuina self-massage. DESIGN Randomized trial. SETTING Outpatient center. PARTICIPANTS One hundred women in spontaneous menopause with at least three episodes of hot flushes daily were randomly allocated to two treatment groups (50 per group): Women in group A were given diet, self-massage training, and treatment with acupuncture, and women in group B (the control group) were given the same diet and self-massage training, but treatment with acupuncture started 6 weeks after they were enrolled into the study. INTERVENTION Acupuncture treatments were scheduled twice weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES Mean change in frequency and/or intensity in menopause-related symptoms were estimated by questionnaire after treatment at week 4. RESULTS Treatment with acupuncture significantly reduced the occurrence of hot flushes and sudden sweating (p<.001). Other symptoms (sleep disorders, tightness in the chest, irritability, bone pain, feeling depressed) significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture in an integrated system that includes therapeutic techniques such as diet therapy and Tuina self-massage can be used to treat hot flushes and selected symptoms in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Baccetti
- 1 Referring Center for Complementary Medicine , Tuscany Region, San Donnino, Campi Bisenzio, Italy
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Koog YH, Lee JS, Wi H. Clinically meaningful nocebo effect occurs in acupuncture treatment: a systematic review. J Clin Epidemiol 2014; 67:858-69. [PMID: 24780405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the nocebo effect using randomized acupuncture trials that include sham and no-treatment groups. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Electronic databases were searched to retrieve eligible trials from their inception until June 2013. Risk differences were then calculated using the acupuncture and sham groups to determine the treatment effect and the sham and no-treatment groups to determine the nocebo effect. RESULTS In total, 58 eligible trials were analyzed. On the basis of the rate of patients with any adverse event in 31 trials reporting available data, the treatment effect was 0.012 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003, 0.021), with a number needed to harm (NNH) of 83 (95% CI: 48, 333). The nocebo effect was 0.049 (95% CI: 0.012, 0.086), with an NNH of 20 (95% CI: 12, 83). By contrast, the rate of dropouts due to adverse events in 39 trials reporting available data showed no differences for both effects. In addition, nearly 70% of the trials reported zero dropouts in the sham and no-treatment groups. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that (1) the nocebo effect of acupuncture is clinically meaningful and (2) the rate of patients with any adverse event may be a more appropriate indicator of the nocebo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hyung Koog
- Honam Research Center, Medifarm Hospital, YangYul-gil 306, Suncheon 540-300, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Medicine, Medifarm Hospital, YangYul-gil 306, Suncheon 540-300, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin Su Lee
- Honam Research Center, Medifarm Hospital, YangYul-gil 306, Suncheon 540-300, Republic of Korea; Department of Rehabilitation, Medifarm Hospital, YangYul-gil 306, Suncheon 540-300, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungsun Wi
- Honam Research Center, Medifarm Hospital, YangYul-gil 306, Suncheon 540-300, Republic of Korea
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Effects of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (Zhi Mu 14) on hot flushes and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Menopause 2014; 21:15-24. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31829374e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Dodin S, Blanchet C, Marc I, Ernst E, Wu T, Vaillancourt C, Paquette J, Maunsell E. Acupuncture for menopausal hot flushes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013; 2013:CD007410. [PMID: 23897589 PMCID: PMC6544807 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007410.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hot flushes are the most common menopausal vasomotor symptom. Hormone therapy (HT) has frequently been recommended for relief of hot flushes, but concerns about the health risks of HT have encouraged women to seek alternative treatments. It has been suggested that acupuncture may reduce hot flush frequency and severity. OBJECTIVES To determine whether acupuncture is effective and safe for reducing hot flushes and improving the quality of life of menopausal women with vasomotor symptoms. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases in January 2013: the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Medical Current Content (CMCC), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database, Dissertation Abstracts International, Current Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), BIOSIS, AMED, Acubriefs, and Acubase. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing any type of acupuncture to no treatment/control or other treatments for reducing menopausal hot flushes and improving the quality of life of symptomatic perimenopausal/postmenopausal women were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Sixteen studies, with 1155 women, were eligible for inclusion. Three review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and quality, and extracted data. We pooled data where appropriate and calculated mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We evaluated the overall quality of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. MAIN RESULTS Eight studies compared acupuncture versus sham acupuncture. No significant difference was found between the groups for hot flush frequency (MD -1.13 flushes per day, 95% CI -2.55 to 0.29, 8 RCTs, 414 women, I(2) = 70%, low-quality evidence) but flushes were significantly less severe in the acupuncture group, with a small effect size (SMD -0.45, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.05, 6 RCTs, 297 women, I(2) = 62%, very-low-quality evidence). There was substantial heterogeneity for both these outcomes. In a post hoc sensitivity analysis excluding studies of women with breast cancer, heterogeneity was reduced to 0% for hot flush frequency and 34% for hot flush severity and there was no significant difference between the groups for either outcome.Three studies compared acupuncture versus HT. Acupuncture was associated with significantly more frequent hot flushes than HT (MD 3.18 flushes per day, 95% CI 2.06 to 4.29, 3 RCTs, 114 women, I(2) = 0%, low-quality evidence). There was no significant difference between the groups for hot flush severity (SMD 0.53, 95% CI -0.14 to 1.20, 2 RCTs, 84 women, I(2) = 57%, low-quality evidence).One study compared electroacupuncture versus relaxation. There was no significant difference between the groups for either hot flush frequency (MD -0.40 flushes per day, 95% CI -2.18 to 1.38, 1 RCT, 38 women, very-low-quality evidence) or hot flush severity (MD 0.20, 95% CI -0.85 to 1.25, 1 RCT, 38 women, very-low-quality evidence).Four studies compared acupuncture versus waiting list or no intervention. Traditional acupuncture was significantly more effective in reducing hot flush frequency from baseline (SMD -0.50, 95% CI -0.69 to -0.31, 3 RCTs, 463 women, I(2) = 0%, low-quality evidence), and was also significantly more effective in reducing hot flush severity (SMD -0.54, 95% CI -0.73 to -0.35, 3 RCTs, 463 women, I(2) = 0%, low-quality evidence). The effect size was moderate in both cases.For quality of life measures, acupuncture was significantly less effective than HT, but traditional acupuncture was significantly more effective than no intervention. There was no significant difference between acupuncture and other comparators for quality of life. Data on adverse effects were lacking. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found insufficient evidence to determine whether acupuncture is effective for controlling menopausal vasomotor symptoms. When we compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture, there was no evidence of a significant difference in their effect on menopausal vasomotor symptoms. When we compared acupuncture with no treatment there appeared to be a benefit from acupuncture, but acupuncture appeared to be less effective than HT. These findings should be treated with great caution as the evidence was low or very low quality and the studies comparing acupuncture versus no treatment or HT were not controlled with sham acupuncture or placebo HT. Data on adverse effects were lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Dodin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.
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Dorsher PT. Acupuncture for Hot Flashes: Combining Traditional and Neurophysiologic Considerations for Effective Treatment. Med Acupunct 2012. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2012.0920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter T. Dorsher
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
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