title: Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
abstract: Objective. This systematic review aimed to assess current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of acupuncture for patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Methods. We searched twelve databases to identify relevant studies published before July 2014. The outcomes were serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and resumption of menstruation. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane's tool, extracted the results, and evaluated the overall level of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Results. Eight RCTs were selected. Acupuncture significantly lowered serum FSH levels and more women receiving acupuncture reported resumption of menses. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to a small number of participants, high risk of bias for blinding, and likely publication bias. The level of evidence for FSH level and resumption of menses were assessed as "low" using GRADE. Conclusion. The current evidence on acupuncture for POI is insufficient to draw a firm conclusion due to scarcity of studies with a low risk of bias and likely publication bias. Further rigorously designed and conducted studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in patients with POI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Korean Gynecology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-702, Republic of Korea ; Conmaul Hospital, Seoul 137-881, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Junyoung
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-9721-7641
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jo
authors.affiliation: Department of Korean Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam 463-712, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Yoon Jae
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1532-0942
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyangsook
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lee