Acupuncture for symptom management of rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.
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.
Lee
Hyangsook
H
College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju, Korea.
Lee
Ji-Young
JY
Kim
Yun-Ju
YJ
Kim
Sehyun
S
Yin
Changshik
C
Khil
Jae-Ho
JH
Kwon
Kirok
K
Choi
Sun-Mi
SM
Lee
Hyejung
H
Park
Hi-Joon
HJ
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome