Effects of electroacupuncture on pediatric chronic urinary retention: a case-series study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to preliminarily evaluate the effect and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating pediatric chronic urinary retention (CUR) following lumbosacral surgeries, with treatment duration evaluated.

Methods: This prospective case-series study was performed from August 5, 2017, to July 31, 2022. Pediatric patients diagnosed with CUR following lumbosacral surgeries were included and treated by EA for 2-16 weeks. Responders were defined as participants achieving a reduction of 50% or more in post void residuals (PVR) from baseline. Time-to-event analysis was applied to explore the association between EA treatment duration and response rate. Adverse event was recorded.

Results: Totally 14 participants (mean [SD] age, 12 [4] years) completed EA treatment. Response rate was 71% (10/14) at the 12th week. 50% (7/14) of participants removed catheters at the 12th week, and none of them experienced re-catheterization in the 24-week follow-up. No serious adverse event was reported. Time-to-event analysis estimated that over 50% patients could respond to EA of more than 8 weeks. Subgroup analysis showed that participants with baseline PVR ≥300 ml and CUR duration ≥12 months experienced longer EA duration to reach the response rate of 50%, compared with those whose PVR <300 ml and CUR duration <12 months (median value: 12 weeks vs. 8 weeks, 12 weeks vs. 4 weeks, respectively).

Conclusions: EA could reduce PVR for pediatric patients suffering from CUR following lumbosacral surgeries, with long-term efficacy and safety. EA treatment of more than 8 weeks was reasonable. Further study of a larger sample and controlling is needed.

Clinical trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn, identifier, ChiCTR1800020222.

Keywords: case-series; chronic urinary retention; electroacupuncture; lumbosacral surgeries; pediatric patients.

Figure 1

(A) Reduction in PVR from baseline after electroacupuncture treatment at the 12th week. (B) Electroacupuncture treatment duration. PVR, post void residuals. Responders were defined as participants achieving a reduction of 50% or more in PVR from baseline.

Figure 2

Kaplan–Meier survival estimate for the association between electroacupuncture treatment duration and the proportion of non-responders. (A) Overall patients. (B) Participants with baseline PVR ≥300 ml and PVR <300 ml. (C) Participants with CUR duration ≥12 months and CUR duration <12 months. PVR, post void residuals; CUR, chronic urinary retention. Responders were defined as participants achieving a reduction of 50% or more in PVR from baseline.