Journal
ANAESTHESIST
Volume 60, Issue 9, Pages 854-+Publisher
SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
DOI: 10.1007/s00101-011-1919-7
Keywords
Emergency medical services; Acupuncture points; Acupressure; Pain; Treatment outcome
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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). Subjects and 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. Conclusion. 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.
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