title: An adjunct intervention for management of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) is a noninvasive intervention that has recently been shown to alleviate dyspnea in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This case report aims to explore the role of Acu-TENS in patients diagnosed with COPD during the acute exacerbation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study design was a case report.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in an inpatient setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subject was a 74-year-old man admitted to the hospital due to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Treatment consisted of application of TENS on EX-B1 (Dingchuan) for 45 minutes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and dyspnea score were measured before, immediately after, and 45 minutes after Acu-TENS intervention. Other than the physiologic measures, 10 mL of venous blood was taken from the cubital vein for assessment of β-endorphin level, white blood cell count, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level before and immediately postintervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postintervention, improved oxygen saturation, and reduction in heart rate and dyspneic sensation were observed accompanied by a raised blood β-endorphin level but the level of white blood cell count, TNF-α, and CRP remain unchanged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Application of 45 minutes Acu-TENS appeared to alleviate symptoms in a patient with AECOPD. The role of adjunctive Acu-TENS therapy during acute exacerbation warrants further investigation.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
authors: Shirley P C
authors: SP
authors: Ngai
authors: Alice Y M
authors: AY
authors: Jones
authors: Christina W Y
authors: CW
authors: Hui-Chan
authors: Fanny W S
authors: FW
authors: Ko
authors: David S C
authors: DS
authors: Hui
mesh_terms: D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000097:blood; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D010100:Oxygen