Role of acupressure in symptom management in patients with end-stage renal disease: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Acupressure is a widely used adjunct for various symptoms in patients with nonchronic kidney disease. However, its role for symptom management in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) populations is not clear.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize and critically evaluate the evidence available from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupressure for patients with ESRD.


METHODS
Systematic review of RCTs.


METHODS
Thirteen databases were searched from their inceptions through December 2009, irrespective of publication status or language.


RESULTS
In total, 7 RCTs out of 86 screened studies were included and analyzed. Most studies lacked sufficient description to gauge the quality of the RCT. Acupressure was not superior to sham acupressure (n = 2) or to transcutaneous electrical stimulation (n = 1), while studies suggested benefits of acupressure compared to usual care (n = 3), sleep medication (n = 1), and undefined control intervention (n = 1). None of these studies reported any adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
No definitive conclusion is available. Future trials should adhere to standards of trial methodology and explicitly report relevant information for evaluation of efficacy and safety of acupressure in patients with ESRD.
Kim
Kun Hyung
KH
Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Meridian Research Center, Division of Standard Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Lee
Myeong Soo
MS
Kang
Kyung Won
KW
Choi
Sun-Mi
SM
D019050:Acupressure / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic