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- Title
Acupuncture for symptom management of rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.
- Authors
Hyangsook Lee; Ji-Young Lee; Yun-ju Kim; Sehyun Kim; Changshik Yin; Jae-Ho Khil; Kirok Kwon; Sun-Mi Choi; Hyejung Lee; Hi-Joon Park
- Abstract
We investigated the feasibility of a future acupuncture trial in the symptom management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty-five patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were recruited and given 14 sessions of individualised acupuncture treatment for 6 weeks. Improvement in symptoms was assessed using ACR 20, 50 and 70; disease activity score (DAS28); tender joint count; swollen joint count; morning stiffness and health-related quality of life using the Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire and the SF-36 at baseline and after 6 weeks. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also assessed. At 6 weeks, 44%, 20%, and 12% of patients achieved ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses, respectively. Acupuncture also produced statistically significant improvements in DAS28, pain and global activity, swollen joint count, health-related quality of life (SF-36) and ESR. No major acupuncture-related adverse events were reported. Acupuncture treatment as used in this pilot study was safe and well-tolerated. The use of acupuncture for symptom management in RA warrants further investigation.
- Publication
Clinical Rheumatology, 2008, Vol 27, Issue 5, p641
- ISSN
0770-3198
- Publication type
Academic Journal
- DOI
10.1007/s10067-007-0819-3