Objective To assess the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for shoulder hand syndrome after stroke. Methods We searched MEDLINE (1966 to Sep. 2008), EMbase (1980 to Sept. 2008), CBM (1978 to Sept. 2008), VIP (1989 to Sept. 2008), WANFANG Database (1998 to Sept. 2008), CNKI (1979 to Sept. 2008) and handsearched relevant journals and conference proceedings. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of acupuncture treatment for patients with shoulder hand syndrome. We evaluated the internal validity of the RCTs and quasi-RCTs. If all included trials were of high quality and homogeneity, then the meta-analysis was conducted. Results Three RCTs were identified but due to the defects in quality and clinical differences between the trials, data from these trials were not combined through meta-analysis, and a descriptive analysis was performed. The results showed that acupuncture was effective for treating shoulder hand syndrome. Conclusions The results of our review suggest that acupuncture may be effective for treating houlder hand syndrome, but because of the defects in the methodological quality of included trials, further large sample, double-blind RCTs are urgently needed.
ObjectiveTo summarize and evaluate the quality of methodology, report and evidence of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of acupuncture and moxibustion interventions for Parkinson's disease. MethodsEight databases including CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 1, 2023. The quality of methodology, report and evidence involved in these studies were evaluated by AMSTAR 2, PRISMA and GRADE tool. ResultsA total of 28 SRs/MAs were included, and the findings of included studies showed that acupuncture and moxibustion had a clinical advantage for Parkinson's disease. The methodological quality of all studies was extremely low. Thirteen reports were relatively complete, 14 reports had certain flaws, and 1 report had relatively serious flaws. And of the 126 reports for seven outcomes, 1 was graded as high, 12 as moderate, 57 as low, and 56 as critically low. ConclusionThe current evidence shows that acupuncture and moxibustion have a certain clinical effect for Parkinson's disease, but the methodological quality and evidence quality of related SRs/MAs are low, and the standardization still needs to be improved. The efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in Parkinson's disease still needs to be verified by high-quality clinical studies in the future.
Objective To examine the efficacy of acupuncture in hastening recovery and reducing long-term morbidity from Bell’s palsy. Methods We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Register Group (Till Feb. 2002), MEDLINE (Jan. 1966 to Dec. 2002); EMBASE (Jan. 1980 to Dec. 2002), LILACS (Jan. 1982 to Dec. 2002) and Chinese Biomedical Retrieval System (Jan. 1978 to Dec. 2002). We also searched grey literature. We identified all randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials involving acupuncture in the treatment of Bell’s palsy, selected the trials ment the inclusion criteria, assessed the methodological quality, extracted data on trials’ patients, interventions, outcome measurements and results and undertook analysis. Results Three small randomised controlled trials were included but due to some flaws in study designs or reporting and clinical differences between trials, data from trials were not combined in a meta-analysis，and a descriptive analysis was performed.The result indicated a positive effect of acupuncture (all Plt;0.01). Conclusions Three small studies in this review suggested a beneficial effect but the poor quality of the trials precludes us from drawing firm conclusions. There is a need for high quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using a study design which assures high internal validity.
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture versus western medicine in the treatment of depression neurosis. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving acupuncture versus western medicine in the treatment of depression neurosis were identified from CBM (1978 to 2009),VIP (1989 to 2009),WANFANG Database (1998 to 2009), CNKI (1979 to 2009), PubMed (1966 to 2009), EMbase (1980 to 2009), and The Cochrane Library (Issue 4,2008). We also hand searched relevant journals from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently with a specially designed extraction form. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.0.2 software was used for data analyses. Results A total of 9 trials involving 903 patients were included. Meta-analyses showed that the total effective rate in the acupuncture group was similar when compared with Dailixin (RR= 1.01, 95%CI 0.82 to 1.23) on 20 d, fluoxetine (RR= 1.06, 95%CI 0.82 to 1.37) at week 8, but showing difference between acupuncture and fluoxetine (RR= 1.15, 95CI 1.07 to 1.22) at week 12. As for the HAMD score, no significant difference was noted between acupuncture and Dailixin (WMD= 0.45, 95%CI – 2.47 to 3.37) at 20 d, or amitriptyline at week 6, or fluoxetine on 30 d, and weeks 4, 8, 12; there was a difference between acupuncture and amitriptyline observed at week 1 (WMD= – 2.67, 95%CI – 4.38 to – 0.96) and week 2 (WMD= – 2.18, 95%CI – 3.28 to – 1.08). In terms of the SDS scores, significant difference was found between acupuncture and fluoxetine (WMD= – 4.26, 95%CI – 6.67 to – 1.85) at week 6, but no difference at week 4 and 12. Four trials reported adverse events. One trial found that no adverse events existed in acupuncture according with TESS score, contrasting with thirst, constipation, vision vague, shimmy, fast heart rate, and some change in liver function and cardiogram in amitriptyline group.Two trials reported very low score in acupuncture showing difference when compared with the drugs. And one trial described that four people had stomach and intestinal tract disorders. While no adverse reactions happened in the acupuncture group. Conclusion Acupuncture is not inferior to western medicine, and it is worth noting that acupuncture is associated with few adverse reactions. Further large-scale trials are required to define the role of acupuncture in the treatment of depression neurosis.
Objective To explore the methods used for developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture. Methods Based on the characteristics of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine,and principles of evidence-based medicine, this article introduces and summarizes the processes and methods for developing an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for acupuncture. We analyzed similarities and differences between clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture and for other interventions. We used an evidence-based clinical practice guideline of acupuncture for depression as an example to illustrate the methods of literature search, grading of evidence and recommendations, evidence evaluation and consensus formation. Results Preliminary recommendations on the methods for developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture were made. Conclusion Based on the optimized rational methodology for developing clinical guidelines, evidence-based high-quality clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture could be established.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of acupuncture for PCOS infertility.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for PCOS infertility from inception to January 5th, 2020. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 28 RCTs involving 2 192 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with western medicine alone, acupuncture could increase the pregnancy rate (RR=1.80, 95%CI 1.45 to 2.23, P<0.000 01) and ovulation rate (RR=1.33, 95%CI 1.15 to 1.54, P=0.000 1), and reduce levels of LH (SMD=−0.62, 95%CI −0.96 to −0.28, P=0.000 4) and LH/FSH (SMD=−0.65, 95%CI −1.02 to −0.29, P=0.000 5). Acupuncture combined with western medicine could increase the pregnancy rate (RR=1.75, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.03, P<0.000 01) and ovulation rate (RR=1.29, 95%CI 1.18 to 1.41, P<0.000 01), decrease levels of LH (SMD=−1.09, 95%CI −1.64 to −0.53, P=0.000 1), LH/FSH (SMD=−1.30, 95%CI −2.35 to −0.25, P=0.02), and levels of T (SMD=−1.13, 95%CI −1.59 to −0.66, P<0.000 01).ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that acupuncture alone or combined with western medicine can significantly improve ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and reduce hormone level. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.
目的:观察针灸治疗神经根型颈椎病的疗效。方法:将149例确诊为神经根型颈椎病的患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,其中治疗组76例,采用针灸配合TDP照射治疗,对照组73例,采用牵引治疗。并分别观察两组患者症状评分。结果:治疗组总显效率86.84%,对照组75.35%(Plt;0.05)。治疗组痊愈率28.95%,对照组16.44%(Plt;0.05)。结论:针灸治疗神经根型颈椎病有效,优于对照组,结果有统计学意义。
Objective To analyze acupuncture resources in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). Methods We identified acupuncture literature from CDSR (2008 year) electronically. W analyzed this literature by research time date, author, study contents, and conCochrane Library usions. Results We initially found 82 articles. Finally, we identified 67 systematic reviews. The number of acupuncture articles has increased all over the world with higher growth rate in China than overseas. The disease spectrum of acupuncture treatment increased widely, focusing on nervous system diseases and pain diseases. Eight articles (25.8%) definitely supported the efficacy of acupuncture. Twenty two articles (71%) considered the efficacy of acupuncture as uncertain owning to insufficient evidence. Just one article expressed that acupuncture treatment was ineffective according to current evidence.
ObjectivesTo evaluate the quality of methodology and evidence of the exiting systematic reviews (SRs) of acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spastic paralysis.MethodsCNKI, CBM, The Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMbase databases were electronically searched to collect SRs of acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spastic paralysis from inception to December 16th, 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of methodology and evidence by AMSTAR 2 scale and GRADE system.ResultsA total of 7 SRs were included. The results showed that acupuncture therapy had obvious advantages in treating post-stroke spastic paralysis without obvious adverse reactions. The results of AMSTAR 2 scale showed that the failure of key items 2 and 7 resulted in extremely low methodological quality. The results of GRADE system showed that 46.15% of which were low-level evidence quality, 42.31% were medium, 11.54% were extremely low, and no evidence quality were high.ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is effective in treating spastic paralysis after stroke, however, the quality of the SRs is low. The studies are required to be standardized and combined with the characteristics of TCM to obtain high quality evidence in the future.
ObjectiveTo systematic review the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on patients with sepsis.MethodsThe PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases were searched. The retrieval time was from the inception to October 1st, 2019. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about acupuncture on the sepsis were screened. Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted and analyzed the data, evaluated the risk of bias included in the study. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 20 RCTs involving 1 337 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that there were significant differences between the acupuncture group with conventional treatment in 28-day mortality [RR=0.69, 95%CI (0.5, 0.9), P=0.03], APACHE II score at 3rd day [MD=−2.4, 95%CI (−3.68, −1.12), P=0.0002] and 7th day [MD=−4.37, 95%CI (−6.32, −2.21), P<0.0001], length of the ICU stay [MD=−1.54, 95%CI (−2.81, −0.27), P=0.02], the effective rate for improved gastrointestinal function [RR=1.5, 95%CI (1.09, 2.06), P=0.01], concentrations of PCT [MD=−2.23, 95%CI (−3.33, −1.13), P<0.001] and TNF-α [MD=-14.86, 95%CI (−23.74, −5.97), P=0.001] at 7th day. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups about the CD8+ count at 7th day [MD=1.65, 95%CI (−0.32, 3.62), P=0.1].ConclusionAvailable evidence suggests that acupuncture may be a potential treatment method for sepsis patients. Due to the limited quantity and quality of included studios, the above conclusions are needed to be verified by more high-quality studies.