acup and SLE

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

following abst may be of interest for those working on skeletal pain.

 

best wishes.

Dr.Fadaie

 

39: Lupus. 2008;17(12): 1108-16.Related Articles, Links

Acupuncture for systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot RCT feasibility and safety

study.

Greco C, Kao A, Maksimowicz- McKinnon K, Glick R, Houze M, Sereika S, Balk J,

Manzi S.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

grecocm (AT) upmc (DOT) edu.

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of studying

acupuncture in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to pilot

test the safety and explore benefits of a standardized acupuncture protocol

designed to reduce pain and fatigue. Twenty-four patients with SLE were randomly

assigned to receive 10 sessions of either acupuncture, minimal needling or usual

care. Pain, fatigue and SLE disease activity were assessed at baseline and

following the last sessions. Safety was assessed at each session. Fifty-two

patients were screened to enroll 24 eligible and interested persons. Although

transient side effects, such as brief needling pain and lightheadedness, were

reported, no serious adverse events were associated with either the acupuncture

or minimal needling procedures. Twenty-two participants completed the study, and

the majority (85%) of acupuncture and minimal needling participants were able to

complete their sessions within

 the specified time period of 5-6 weeks. 40% of patients who received

acupuncture or minimal needling had >/=30% improvement on standard measures of

pain, but no usual care patients showed improvement in pain. A ten-session

course of acupuncture appears feasible and safe for patients with SLE. Benefits

were similar for acupuncture and minimal needling.

PMID: 19029279 [PubMed - in process]