title: [Acupuncture in emergency medicine : results of a case series].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acupuncture (AP) might be indicated in emergency medicine. This case series was performed to demonstrate the practicability and possible effects of AP in emergency medical services (EMS) as a basis for randomized controlled trials (RCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 60 patients (average age 55.4±23.0 years, 57% female) treated by the EMS received AP if applicable. Main outcome parameter was to rate the symptom alleviating effect of acupuncture treatment on a 4-point scale or by VAS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 60 patients 35 (58%) reported considerable improvement, 15 patients (25%) reported complete relief and 10 patients (17%) reported no changes in the cardinal symptom. The predominant symptoms alleviated by AP were nausea (n=31) and vomiting (n=21). Pericardium 3 and 6 (27%) and Spleen 6 and 9 were the most commonly used AP points.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case series demonstrates that AP can alleviate certain symptoms in emergency patients. The results of the study provide data as a basis to perform clinical controlled trials on the effectiveness of AP in emergency medicine.
authors.affiliation: Interdisziplinäre Schmerzambulanz, Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Innenstadt, München, Deutschland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fleckenstein
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schottdorf
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kreimeier
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Irnich
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000628:therapy; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004422:Dystonia Musculorum Deformans / Q000628:therapy; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000628:therapy; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult