[Effect of 2/100 Hz transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on sexual dysfunction and serum sex hormone of heroin addicts].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of 2/100 Hz electrical stimulation produced by Han's acupoint nerve stimulator (HANS) in treating heroin induced sex dysfunction.


METHODS
Thirty-three heroin addicts were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either buprenorphine (BPN group, n = 16) or HANS plus small dose of BPN (HANS group, n = 17) for 14 days. The doses of BPN were tailored according to individual requirement that could totally abolish withdrawal syndrome. The frequency of HANS was 2 Hz and 100 Hz shifting automatically, each lasting for 3 seconds. The stimulation was applied to 8 acupoints, the Hegu and Laogong of one upper limb, Neiguan and Waiguan of another limb, Sanyinjiao and Xingjian of both lower limbs, for 30 min. The therapy was carried out 3-4 times per day in the initial two weeks of treatment, and reduced to 1-2 times per day in the following 2 weeks.


RESULTS
(1) The urine analysis for morphine in both groups turned to negative 14 days after treatment. (2) After 2 weeks of treatment, the composite score (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) of sexual function in HANS group showed a 102% increase (P < 0.01) compared with before treatment and was 107% of that in the BPN group (P < 0.01). (3) After 4 weeks treatment the serum concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) in the HANS group showed a 137% and 118% increase respectively compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the level of LH was 79.6% of that in the BPN group (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The 2/100 Hz transcutaneous electrical stimulation produced by Han's acupoint nerve stimulator could improve the recovery of sexual function and raise the serum concentration of LH and T in heroin addicts.
Wu
L
L
Neuroscience Research Institute, Beijing Medical University, Beijing (100083).
Cui
C
C
Han
J
J
D000328:Adult; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000379:methods
D013739:Testosterone