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Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Jun 2024To assess the efficacy and safety of Neiguan (PC6) acupoint acustimulation in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), especially for patients with...
Neiguan (PC6) acupoint stimulation for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a cost-effective supplement in guideline-inconsistent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting prophylaxis subgroup.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of Neiguan (PC6) acupoint acustimulation in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), especially for patients with guideline-inconsistent CINV prophylaxis (GICP) due to personal reasons METHODS: From January 2021 to December 2021, 373 patients suffered from solid malignancy were recruited according to the inclusion criteria. Complete response (no emesis and no rescue medication use) rate during the overall phase (0-120 h of each chemo-cycle) was the primary assessment of CINV control. The Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE) questionnaire was investigated among these patients as a secondary 'quality of life' objective to assess the impact of CINV on patients' daily life by recording score of nausea and vomiting.
RESULTS
With acustimulation of Neiguan (PC6) acupuncture point through a portable, noninvasive and user-friendly device, in terms of complete response rate and scores in nausea/vomiting by FLIE questionnaire, patients achieve a better outcome in highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) induced CINV, especially GICP subgroup. Meanwhile, analysis also demonstrated this tendency existed in other patients with HEC/GCCP (guideline consistent CINV prophylaxis) and moderate emetogenic chemotherapy, although the difference was not significant.
CONCLUSION
Considering advantages of Neiguan (PC6) acustimulation such as noninvasive, covered by medical insurance and few side effects, we believe it would be an ideal auxiliary tool in CINV control, especially in patients who receive highly emetogenic chemo-protocol and are reluctant to GCCP for economic reasons.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Vomiting; Nausea; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Antineoplastic Agents; Acupuncture Therapy; Aged; Quality of Life; Neoplasms; Cost-Benefit Analysis
PubMed: 38767643
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240402.005 -
BMJ Open Feb 2024Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a leading perioperative morbidity outcome following general anaesthesia. This systematic review aims to identify, appraise...
OBJECTIVES
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a leading perioperative morbidity outcome following general anaesthesia. This systematic review aims to identify, appraise and summarise the evidence synthesis studies of prophylactic interventions that reduce the incidence of paediatric PONV, thereby highlighting knowledge gaps and avenues of future research.
DESIGN
Systematic review using the AMSTAR-2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2) tool and the ROBIS (Risk Of Bias In Systematic reviews) tool.
DATA SOURCES
Seven major databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, from inception to 23 September 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Evidence synthesis studies of only randomised controlled trials that explored prophylactic interventions for PONV in children undergoing general anaesthesia.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Following screening process by two reviewers, data were extracted from all eligible studies, including demographic parameters and details of interventions. Eligible studies were categorised into 'pharmacological' and 'non-pharmacological' groups and high-risk surgical groups of 'strabismus' and 'tonsillectomy' for qualitative synthesis.
RESULTS
There were 20 evidence synthesis reviews (17 meta-analyses, 2 systematic reviews, 1 network meta-analysis): 14 investigated pharmacological PONV prophylaxis in children, 5 investigated non-pharmacological interventions, 1 studied both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Monotherapy pharmacological prophylaxis agents, for example, dexamethasone (relative risk (RR) 0.49, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.58), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) antagonists (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.20) and α-adrenoreceptor agonists (dexmedetomidine: RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.54), are more effective than placebo. A combination of pharmacological agents provided superior efficacy to monotherapy, particularly dexamethasone and 5-HT antagonists (RR 0.21, 95% credible interval 0.15 to 0.28). Acustimulation practice was consistently favourable in preventing PONV compared with placebo (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.52).
CONCLUSION
Monotherapy pharmacological prophylaxis is more effective than placebo in reducing the incidence of paediatric PONV, with the efficacy increased further by using combination pharmacotherapy. Further research must compare multiple treatment arms of pharmacological and non-pharmacological prophylaxes for PONV to identify the optimal multimodal prophylaxis regimen.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021236698.
Topics: Child; Humans; Antiemetics; Dexamethasone; Incidence; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Serotonin; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Meta-Analysis as Topic
PubMed: 38388499
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070775 -
Journal of Translational... 2023In this systematic review, we evaluated the efficacy, mechanisms and safety of three neuromodulation therapies in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
In this systematic review, we evaluated the efficacy, mechanisms and safety of three neuromodulation therapies in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including the effect of neuromodulation therapies on symptoms and key GERD pathophysiologies, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, esophageal motility, gastric motility, and parasympathetic activity. The first therapy is LES electrical stimulation using an implantable electrical stimulator, the second is transcutaneous electrical acustimulation, and the third is manual acupuncture.
METHODS
A systematic review of literature according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Online databases searched include Medline (Ovid), Embase, and PubMed. Studies were assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria with Covidence, a systematic review software.
RESULTS
The analysis included thirteen clinical studies. Four papers included were registered under two open-label trials on ClinicalTrials.gov for LES electrical stimulation; Five randomized trials with sham-treated controls were analyzed for transcutaneous electrical acustimulation; Four studies, including three involving standard therapy controls and one involving shamtreated controls were included for manual acupuncture. All evaluated studies demonstrated significant beneficial effects on GERD symptoms, using patient-completed questionnaires, objective 24-h measurement of esophageal pH, and patient-reported use of proton pump inhibitors. In evaluating the effect on key GERD pathophysiologies, electrical stimulation significantly increased LES pressure, and transcutaneous electrical acustimulation significantly improved esophageal motility, gastric motility, and parasympathetic activity. None of the evaluated neuromodulation methods produced severe adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Cumulative evidence from the evaluated studies indicates that neuromodulation therapies were effective in treating the GERD symptoms and key underlying GERD pathophysiologies. They are thus valuable options for individualized GERD treatment.
PubMed: 38009094
DOI: No ID Found -
Bioelectronic Medicine Nov 2023Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which extend from the esophagus to the anus, are the most common diseases of the GI tract. Among these disorders, pain, encompassing... (Review)
Review
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which extend from the esophagus to the anus, are the most common diseases of the GI tract. Among these disorders, pain, encompassing both abdominal and visceral pain, is a predominant feature, affecting the patients' quality of life and imposing a substantial financial burden on society. Pain signals originating from the gut intricately shape brain dynamics. In response, the brain sends appropriate descending signals to respond to pain through neuronal inhibition. However, due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease and its limited pathophysiological understanding, treatment options are minimal and often controversial. Consequently, many patients with GI disorders use complementary and alternative therapies such as neuromodulation to treat visceral pain. Neuromodulation intervenes in the central, peripheral, or autonomic nervous system by alternating or modulating nerve activity using electrical, electromagnetic, chemical, or optogenetic methodologies. Here, we review a few emerging noninvasive neuromodulation approaches with promising potential for alleviating pain associated with functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and non-cardiac chest pain. Moreover, we address critical aspects, including the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of these noninvasive neuromodulation methods, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and outline future research directions. In conclusion, the emerging field of noninvasive neuromodulation appears as a viable alternative therapeutic avenue for effectively managing visceral pain in GI disorders.
PubMed: 37990288
DOI: 10.1186/s42234-023-00130-5 -
Gastroenterology Report 2023Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widely prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting ∼13.3% of the global population. There are shortages and limitations... (Review)
Review
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widely prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting ∼13.3% of the global population. There are shortages and limitations of current GERD treatment modalities, and complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) is a promising option to fill in the gap. Dietary and lifestyle modifications might play an important and complementary role in alleviating GERD symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and brain-gut behavior therapy, particularly transcutaneous electrical acustimulation and diaphragmatic breathing therapy were shown to be useful adjuncts or alternatives in treating GERD. CAT may help to relieve GERD symptoms, minimize medication dosage, and slow the demand for surgery. The aim of this review was to summarize the existing evidence of some common CATs in treating symptomatic GERD, including dietary modification, lifestyle change, traditional Chinese medicine, and brain-gut behavior therapy.
PubMed: 37810946
DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goad057 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2022Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut-brain interaction with challenging treatment. According to evidence-based studies, acupuncture is likely to be...
BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut-brain interaction with challenging treatment. According to evidence-based studies, acupuncture is likely to be a promising therapy and subservient adjunct for IBS. Mechanism study of acupuncture based on related clinical trials of high quality, nevertheless, is still vacant.
AIM
This study aims to assess the results and qualities of current clinical evidence and conclude the relevant pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic effects of acupuncture on IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D).
METHODS
Literature from four databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science, was systematically searched to obtain eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which contained mechanism research of acupuncture treatment in IBS-D patients. Two independent reviewers completed data extraction and quality evaluation using the RevMan 5.4.1 software.
RESULTS
Ten trials that covered 19 items related to mechanism research were included in this review. Acupuncture was reported to improve IBS-D symptoms and quality of life, with positive effects in regulating brain-gut peptides, cerebral activities, neuroendocrine functions, psychological state, and inflammatory GI and hypersensitive intestinal tracts.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture has potential influence on pathophysiology alterations such as regulating brain-gut peptides, altering cerebral connectivity and activity, promoting neuroendocrine functions and mental state, and mitigating inflammation as well as hypersensitivity of bowels in IBS-D patients, but further studies of high quality are still necessary.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42022320331].
PubMed: 35911986
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.918701 -
Trials Jun 2022The efficacy of pericardium 6 (P6) acupoint stimulation to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has been proven in several randomised...
Study protocol for a randomised, patient- and observer-blinded evaluation of P6 acustimulation for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in the postoperative period in patients receiving routine pharmacological prophylaxis (P6NV-Trial).
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of pericardium 6 (P6) acupoint stimulation to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has been proven in several randomised controlled clinical trials. However, little is known about the effectiveness in daily practice and its use in combination with traditional pharmacologic approaches.
METHODS
The primary objective of the P6NV study is to determine whether intraoperative acustimulation (acupuncture or acupressure) at the point P6 provides additional benefit when applied along with customary prophylactic intravenous antiemetics administered according to the local standard operating procedures (SOP). The primary endpoint is the incidence and severity of PONV within the first 24 h postoperatively reported with a validated postoperative nausea and vomiting intensity scale. The patient-reported outcome of perioperative quality of life (using the PPP33-questionnaire) and the detection of antiemetic-related side effects as well as the severity of PONV (via a standardised questionnaire) are secondary study objectives. P6NV is a national, multicentre, randomised, prospective, patient- and examiner-blinded interventional study and will be performed on 3500 adult patients with ASA classification I-III undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia and hospitalised for at least 24 h. Participating anaesthesiologists commit themselves to administer customised conventional antiemetic prophylaxis according to the local SOP by signing a statement before randomisation. The intervention group receives bilateral acupuncture or acupressure at P6. The control group receives no intervention. Before extubation, acustimulation is removed.
DISCUSSION
Since P6 acustimulation is performed by a wide range of anaesthesiologists receiving written and verbal information on acustimulation beforehand, this trial will provide information on the effectiveness of an ad hoc implementation of P6 stimulation techniques in anaesthesia departments using traditional pharmacologic PONV prophylaxis.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
DRKS DRKS00015272 . Registered on August 15, 2018.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Adult; Antiemetics; Humans; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Pericardium; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Postoperative Period; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35710447
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06369-8 -
Clinical and Translational... May 2022Reduced rectal sensation is involved in the pathophysiology of constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
INTRODUCTION
Reduced rectal sensation is involved in the pathophysiology of constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) at acupuncture point ST36 on constipation and rectal sensation as well as autonomic functions in patients with constipation and reduced rectal sensation.
METHODS
In an acute study, anorectal motility and sensation tests were performed in constipation patients (N = 53) who were treated with TEA at ST36 or sham points. In a chronic study, patients (N = 18) underwent 2 weeks of TEA or sham-TEA in a crossover design.
RESULTS
Chronic TEA increased spontaneous bowel movements (3.72 vs 2.00 per week with sham-TEA, P < 0.0001) and significantly reduced constipation symptoms and increased quality of life in comparison with sham-TEA (P < 0.05). Acute TEA reduced the sensation threshold in response to rectal distention for the urge of defecation and maximum tolerable volume (P < 0.05, vs baseline); chronic TEA reduced the sensation thresholds for first sensation and desire of defecation, and decreased the threshold volume to an elicit rectal anal inhibitory reflex (P < 0.05). Both acute and chronic TEA increased parasympathetic activity (P < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
TEA at ST36 improves chronic constipation by enhancing rectal sensation possibly mediated by the reinforcement of parasympathetic activity in patients with functional constipation and reported lack/absence of rectal sensation.
Topics: Constipation; Humans; Quality of Life; Rectum; Sensation; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 35347091
DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000485 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2020Stimulant laxatives are still considered the most common treatment for functional outlet obstruction constipation (FOOC). However, the effectiveness of laxatives is...
Ameliorating Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation at Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36) Acupoints Combined with Adaptive Biofeedback Training on Functional Outlet Obstruction Constipation.
BACKGROUND
Stimulant laxatives are still considered the most common treatment for functional outlet obstruction constipation (FOOC). However, the effectiveness of laxatives is unsatisfactory, and the long-term use of laxatives may cause certain adverse events. With this in mind, it is, however, paramount that novel complementary treatment(s) and/or other forms of alternative medicine are adequately investigated.
AIMS
The study aims to explore the effects and potential mechanism(s) of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) combined with adaptive biofeedback training (ABT) on FOOC.
METHODS
A total of forty-five patients with FOOC were recruited and were randomly assigned to receive either Macrogol 4000 Powder (MAC, 10 g bid) (group A, = 15) only, ABT + MAC + Sham-TEA (group B, = 15), or TEA + ABT + MAC (group C, = 15) in a six-week study. Individual patients' constipation-symptoms (PAC-SYM) and constipation-quality of life (PAC-QOL) were both assessed and scored. Serum acetylcholine (Ach) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured from drawn blood samples while individual patients' heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated at baseline and after each corresponding therapy. Anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test were both performed before and after treatment.
RESULTS
Firstly, participants in group C had significantly lower scores of PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL, and a decreased anal defecating pressure (ADP) as compared to participants in group B (all < 0.050). These results, however, suggest the TEAs effect. Secondly, the low-frequency band (LF)/(LF + HF) ratio in groups B and C were decreased as compared to group A (=0.037, =0.010, respectively) regarding HRV. On the other hand, the high-frequency band (HF)/(LF + HF) ratio in groups B and C showed an opposite outcome. Finally, the serum Ach in groups B and C was significantly higher as compared to group A (=0.023, =0.012, respectively). Of significant importance, the serum NO in groups B and C were notably low as compared to group A (=0.001, < 0.001, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
TEA, combined with ABT, effectively improves constipation symptoms as well as QOL in FOOC patients. It is, however, achieved by decreasing ADP, which mechanisms are mediated via the autonomic and enteric mechanisms.
PubMed: 33029178
DOI: 10.1155/2020/8798974 -
Neuromodulation : Journal of the... Aug 2019To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) combined with deep breathing training (DBT) on refractory... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Ameliorating Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation Combined With Deep Breathing Training on Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Mediated via the Autonomic Pathway.
AIMS
To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) combined with deep breathing training (DBT) on refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD).
METHODS
Twenty-one patients with rGERD were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either only esomeprazole (ESO, 20 mg bid) (group A, n = 7), TEA + DBT + ESO (group B, n = 7), or sham-TEA + DBT + ESO (group C, n = 7) in a four-week study. The reflux diagnostic questionnaire (RDQ) score and heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded and evaluated at baseline and at the end of each treatment. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum acetylcholine (Ach) and nitric oxide (NO). Esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed before and after the treatment.
RESULTS
After treatment, 1) the participants in group B had significantly lower scores of RDQ and DeMeester and increased lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) than those in group C (all p < 0.05), suggesting the role of TEA; 2) low frequency band (LF)/(LF + HF) ratio in groups B and C was decreased, compared with group A (p = 0.010, p = 0.042, respectively); high frequency band (HF)/(LF + HF) ratio in B and C groups was significantly increased, compared with group A (p = 0.010, p = 0.042, respectively); 3) The serum Ach in groups B and C was significantly higher than group A (p = 0.022, p = 0.046, respectively); the serum NO in groups B and C was significantly lower than group A (p = 0.010, p = 0.027, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
TEA combined with the DBT can effectively improve the reflux symptoms in rGERD patients by increasing LESP and reducing gastroesophageal reflux, which may be mediated via the autonomic and enteric mechanisms.
Topics: Autonomic Pathways; Breathing Exercises; Combined Modality Therapy; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Male; Manometry; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31347247
DOI: 10.1111/ner.13021