Role of acupuncture in the management of diabetic painful neuropathy (DPN): a pilot RCT
Item
Title
Role of acupuncture in the management of diabetic painful neuropathy (DPN): a pilot RCT
Author(s)
Journal Publication
Date
2014
volume
32(3)
pages
242-249
Research Type
RCT
Keywords
Abstract
Aims: To examine the role of acupuncture in the treatment of diabetic painful neuropathy (DPN) using a single-blind, placebo-controlled RCT and to collect data that would be required in a future definitive study of the efficacy of acupuncture in DPN. Methods: 45 patients were allocated to receive a 10-week course either of real (53%) or sham (47%) acupuncture. Five standardised acupuncture points on the lower limb of each leg were used in the study: LR3, KI3, SP6, SP10 and ST36. Outcome measures included the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scale, lower limb pain (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS); Sleep Problem Scale (SPS); Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP); 36-item Short Form 36 Health Survey and resting blood pressure (BP). Results: Over the 10-week treatment period, small improvements were seen in VAS ?15 (?26 to ?3.5), MYMOP ?0.89 (?1.4 to ?0.3), SPS ?2.5 (?4.2 to ?0.82) and resting diastolic BP ?5.2 (?10.4 to ?0.14) in the true acupuncture group. In contrast, there was little change in those receiving sham acupuncture. A moderate treatment effect in favour of active acupuncture was detected in MYMOP scores ?0.66 (?0.96 to ?0.35) but nonsignificant effect sizes in LANSS Pain Scale ?0.37 (?2.2 to 1.4), resting diastolic BP ?0.50 (?3.0 to 1.99) and the SPS ?0.51 (?2.2 to 1.16). Conclusions We have demonstrated the practicality and feasibility of acupuncture as an additional treatment for people with DPN. The treatment was well tolerated with no appreciable side effects. Larger randomised trials are needed to confirm the clinical and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of DPN.
doi
10.1136/acupmed-2013-010495
pmid
Accession Number: 103977178. Language: English. Entry Date: 20140725. Revision Date: 20150710. Publication Type: Journal Article; pictorial; research; tables/charts; randomized controlled trial. Journal Subset: Alternative/Complementary Therapies; Editorial Board Reviewed; Europe; Expert Peer Reviewed; Peer Reviewed; UK & Ireland. Instrumentation: Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36); Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP); Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Pain Scale (Bennett); Sleep Problem Scale (SPS)(Jenkins et al). Grant Information: funded by This study received funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme (grant reference number PBPG-0706-10595).. NLM UID: 9304117.