Should acupuncture become a complementary therapy in the treatment of uterine fibroid: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

BackgroundUterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age. The most effective treatment is myomectomy, but there is no long-term or low-invasive treatment option exists. Acupuncture can be used to treat UFs in a variety of ways. However, there is no meta-analytic synthesis including valid data that explored the efficacy of acupuncture for UFs.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating UFs.MethodsThe PRISMA 2020 checklist was used. We identified and extracted the trials through may 2023 from six databases. The quality of the trials was assessed using the risk of bias (2.0). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software, and it was synthesized using the random-effects model if the included studies were in high heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were used if necessary.ResultsA total of 1,035 trials were identified, of which 11 were included in the review and meta-analysis. In terms of acupuncture scheme design and fibroid-related symptoms, the trials are highly heterogeneous. All 11 trials have reported acupuncture types, with traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture being the more representative subgroups. A qualitative review of existing evidence shows that acupuncture has no serious adverse reaction on UFs. Meta-analysis shows that acupuncture can effectively reduce the volume of UFs (MD – 3.89, 95% CI – 5.23 to – 2.56, P < 0.00001) or uterine volume (MD – 16.22, 95% CI – 19.89 To – 12.55, p < 0.00001), reduce the score of fibroid symptoms (MD – 3.03, 95% CI − 3.45 to – 2.60, p < 0.00001), improve the treatment efficiency (RR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.25, p < 0.00001), and likely do not affect the estrogen level.

Clinical research progress on acupuncture for the treatment of otogenic vertigo

“…Other studies have reported that cervical Jiaji acupuncture combined with the Fengchi, Hou Xi, and Shu gu points can relieve the symptoms of patients with vertigo, and these mechanisms may be related to the acceleration of the blood flow of the vertebrobasilar artery[ 6 ]. Previous studies used "regulating spleen and stomach" acupuncture combined with Fengchi acupoint acupuncture to treat cervical vertigo, and the improved effect on the basilar artery and vertebral artery blood flow was confirmed[ 7 ]. Combined with the above results, it can be determined that acupuncture at the Fengchi point can improve the blood flow and circulation of the vertebrobasilar artery, which is beneficial for improving the state of ischemia and hypoxia in the inner ear.…”