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. 2004;2003(1):CD000008.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000008.pub2.

Acupuncture for chronic asthma

R W McCarney  1 , B Brinkhaus, T J Lasserson, K Linde
Affiliations

Acupuncture for chronic asthma

R W McCarney et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004.

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture has traditionally been used to treat asthma in China and is used increasingly for this purpose internationally.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of asthma or asthma-like symptoms.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register (searched August 2003), the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field trials register, the Alternative Medicine Database (August 2003) and reference lists of articles. We also contacted trialists and researchers in the field of complementary and alternative medical research.

Selection criteria: Randomised and possibly randomised trials using needle acupuncture or other forms of stimulation of acupuncture. Any form of control treatment was considered (no treatment in addition to conventional asthma treatment, sham or placebo interventions, active comparator interventions). Studies were included provided outcome was assessed at one week or more.

Data collection and analysis: At least two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. A reviewer experienced in acupuncture assessed the adequacy of the active and sham acupunctures used in the studies. Study authors were contacted for missing information.

Main results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria with 324 participants. Trial reporting was poor and trial quality was deemed inadequate to generalise findings. There was variation in the type of active and sham acupunctures, the outcomes measured and time-points presented. The points used in the sham arm of some studies are used for the treatment of asthma according to traditional Chinese medicine. Two studies used individualised treatment strategies and one study used a combination strategy of formula acupuncture with the addition of individualised points. No statistically significant or clinically relevant effects were found for acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture. Data from two small studies were pooled for lung function (post-treatment FEV1): Standardised Mean Difference 0.12, 95% confidence interval -0.31 to 0.55).

Reviewer's conclusions: There is not enough evidence to make recommendations about the value of acupuncture in asthma treatment. Further research needs to consider the complexities and different types of acupuncture.

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Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 1 Morning PEFR after treatment.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 2 FEV1 after treatment (% predicted).
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 3 Symptom scores (parallel studies).
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 4 FEV1 at follow‐up: pooled cross‐over data (% predicted).
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 5 FVC after treatment: pooled cross‐over (l).
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 6 FEV1 at follow‐up: pooled cross‐over data (Change from baseline).
1.7
1.7. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 7 FEV1 after treatment: pooled cross‐over data.
1.8
1.8. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 8 Perceived improvement in general well‐being after treatment (parallel studies).
1.9
1.9. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 9 Symptom scores cross‐over studies.
1.10
1.10. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 10 Symptom scores (crossover studies ‐ change from baseline).
1.11
1.11. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 11 Symptom scores.
1.12
1.12. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 12 Medication usage.
1.13
1.13. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 13 Medication usage.
1.14
1.14. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 14 Medication usage (change from baseline).
1.15
1.15. Analysis
Comparison 1 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 15 Quality of life follow‐up.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 1 Morning PEFR after treatment (crossover studies).
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 2 FEV1 after treatment: pooled cross‐over data.
2.3
2.3. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 3 Symptom scores cross‐over studies.
2.4
2.4. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 4 Medication usage.
2.5
2.5. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 5 Symptom scores.
2.6
2.6. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 6 Perceived improvement in general well‐being after treatment (crossover studies).
2.7
2.7. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 7 FVC after treatment: pooled cross‐over (l).
2.8
2.8. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 8 Morning peak flow.
2.9
2.9. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 9 FEV1.
2.10
2.10. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 10 FVC.
2.11
2.11. Analysis
Comparison 2 LASER ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 11 Evening peak flow rates.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 1 Morning PEFR after treatment (parallel group).
3.2
3.2. Analysis
Comparison 3 NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE VERSUS SHAM LASER ACUPUNCTURE, Outcome 2 Medication usage (parallel group).
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