Continuous PC6 wristband acupressure for relief of nausea and vomiting associated with acute myocardial infarction: a partially randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of continuous PC6 acupressure as an adjunct to antiemetic drug therapy in the prevention and control of nausea and vomiting in the first 24h after myocardial infarction (MI).


METHODS
Partially randomised, partially blinded placebo-controlled, exploratory clinical study.


METHODS
Coronary Care Unit, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon.


METHODS
A total of 301 consecutive patients (205 males, 96 females) admitted following acute MI.


METHODS
The first 125 patients recruited received no additional intervention. Subsequent patients were randomised to receive either continuous PC6 acupressure or placebo acupressure.


METHODS
(1) Incidence of post-MI nausea and/or vomiting, (2) severity of symptoms, (3) use of antiemetic drugs, over 24h.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the groups for the whole 24-h treatment period. However, the PC6 acupressure group experienced significantly lower incidence of nausea and/or vomiting during the last 20h (18%), compared with the placebo (32%) or control (43%) groups (P<0.05). The severity of symptoms and the need for antiemetic drugs were also reduced in the acupressure group, but these differences were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuous 24-h PC6 acupressure therapy as an adjunct to standard antiemetic medication for post-MI nausea and vomiting is feasible and is well accepted and tolerated by patients. In view of its benefits, further studies are worthwhile using earlier onset of treatment.
Dent
H E
HE
Centre for Complementary Health Studies, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK. hedent@fairman-dent.co.uk
Dewhurst
N G
NG
Mills
S Y
SY
Willoughby
M
M
D019050:Acupressure / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications*; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014953:Wrist