Corrigendum to “Clinical reasoning in traditional medicine exemplified by the clinical encounter of Korean medicine” [Integr Med Res 2021: 10; 100641]

OBS! Dette er kun en korreksjon av en annen artikkel: “Clinical reasoning in traditional medicine exemplified by the clinical encounter of Korean medicine” [Integr Med Res 2021: 10; 100641]The authors regret that the funding number was incorrectly published in the above article. It is now reproduced correctly below. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused. Funding This work was funded by Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KSN2013210 and K13130).publishedVersio

Does acupuncture improve the outcome of in vitro fertilisation? Guidance for future trials

Abstract Introduction The comprehensive review was to appraise the current evidence from both randomized and non-randomized trials by using both Chinese and western databases and to highlight the issues which could guide future trial design. Many infertile couples have chosen acupuncture as an adjunct when they undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. More than forty trials have emerged since the first clinical research published in 1999 explored the effects of acupuncture on the outcomes of IVF. However, the current evidence makes it difficult for clinical practitioners and patients to make a decision on whether to choose acupuncture as an adjunct when undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment. Methodology A total of thirty-three randomized and 5 non-randomized controlled trials were included in the review. Results Based on this comprehensive review and analysis of all the relevant trials, the authors identify the factors which have contributed to these inconsistencies, and which should be considered in the design of future studies. Discussion/conclusions These items included in the review could provide useful recommendations and guidelines, which will in turn promote better trial design and improve the evidence base for the use of acupuncture for IVF

Exploring practice characteristics and research priorities of practitioners of traditional acupuncture in China and the EU-A survey

AbstractEthnopharmacological relevanceAcupuncture practice is based on the theoretical, historical and philosophical principles, which are part of Chinese medicine. Traditional acupuncture practitioners assess their patients’ conditions using Chinese medicine diagnostic techniques, which determine clinical care and treatment. Little is known about differences in the perceptions of research evidence among practitioners in the European Union (EU) and China, given the diversity of acupuncture practice.Material and methodsThis study explored differences between practitioners of traditional acupuncture regarding perceived need for research evidence and prioritisation for future clinical trials, based on their practice within the EU and China.A convenience sample of acupuncturists in the EU (contacted by their professional organisation) and China (from geographically dispersed hospitals) were invited to participate in a survey, which was conducted during 2010/2011. Data collected included: practitioners’ demographic details, country of training, practice setting, acupuncture techniques, perceived adverse event reporting, diagnostic methods, conditions commonly treated, conditions perceived as needing more evidence and practitioner perceptions of conditions which could demonstrate benefit if investigated in clinical trials.ResultsFrom 1126 survey responses, 1020 (559 EU, 461 China) could be included in the analysis for direct comparison. A response rate for the EU could not be calculated but for China was 98%. Pain was the most frequently reported commonly treated condition by EU acupuncturists and neurological conditions (mainly stroke) for Chinese practitioners. The top reported priorities for research were obstetrics/gynaecological conditions in the EU and neurological problems in China.ConclusionThe survey identified differences in practice and training between acupuncturists in China and the EU and between EU member states. These differences may inform prioritisation of health conditions for future trials. Innovative research methods are recommended to incorporate the complexity and plurality of acupuncture practice and theory. Creation of collaborative networks is crucial in overcoming these differences to facilitate international, multi-centre clinical trials

Chinese medicine treatment for menopausal symptoms in the UK health service: Is a clinical trial warranted?

Objectives The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate treatment effects, ascertain safety and formulate best practice Chinese medicine protocols relevant for London women suffering from menopausal symptoms. Study design This clinical pilot study employed a case series design within a wider action-based research project. 117 perimenopausal women between 45 and 55 years of age recruited from the general population were treated for menopausal symptoms by six experienced practitioners of Chinese medicine at the Polyclinic of the University of Westminster. Practitioners were instructed to treat as near to their usual practice style as possible. This involved using Chinese herbal medicine and/or acupuncture along with dietary and lifestyle advice. A maximum of 12 treatments over 6 months was allowed per patient. Outcome measures The menopause specific quality of life questionnaire (MenQoL), the Greene climacteric scale, and flushing diaries were used to evaluate treatment outcomes. Liver and kidney function tests were carried out at intake and after 1, 6 and 12 treatments to evaluate the safety particularly in relation to the use of herbal medicines. Results Patients showed significant improvement across all domains measured by the MenQoL and Greene climacteric scales. Reduction on the MenQoL scale between first and last visit was from 4.31 to 3.27 (p < 0.001) and on the Green climacteric scale from 21.01 to 13.00 (p < 0.001). Study participants did not reliably complete their flushing diaries. No adverse events or abnormal liver or kidney function values were observed during the course of the study. Conclusions Further research that seeks to investigate the effects observed in more detail and to evaluate them against other forms of treatment and/or no-treatment controls is warranted. This could be achieved by way of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial that evaluated Chinese medicine against orthodox medical care

Acupuncture for chronic primary pain – are UK guidelines now consistent with other countries?

Introduction Chronic pain was reclassified by the World Health Organisation in 2019 into primary and secondary chronic pain. Clinical guidelines on chronic primary pain recently issued in the UK for consultation by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have included acupuncture as a primary treatment. The aim of this article was to explore the evidence in support of this recommendation and gauge whether NICE is in line with international guidelines. Methods UK clinical guideline recommendations on the use of acupuncture for chronic pain were compared with selected key national and international guidelines to identify whether acupuncture was included and whether it was recommended. Results By recommending acupuncture as a potential treatment for chronic primary pain, NICE is now in line with clinical guideline recommendations from within the UK nations (Scotland, Wales) and other countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Austria as well as organizations such as the British Pain Society and the European Pain Federation Conclusions The problems of drug dependency especially overuse of opioids and their associated unwanted side effects suggest that non-pharmacological methods that can deal with chronic pain are imperative. Acupuncture provides a bone fide choice particularly as its evidence of effectiveness continues to grow