|
|
Abstract
Acupuncture cross-over trial: can acupuncture effectively control side-effects of HIV-combination therapy?
E A S Sommers, K E P Porter
AIDS Care Project, Boston, United States
Background: The study examines whether acupuncture can minimize digestive side-effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and affect adherence to medication protocols.
Methods: A 6-week cross-over clinical trial was designed to examine whether a set of 4 symptom-specific acupuncture points can be more effective than a set of 4 non-specific nearby comparison points in controlling digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bowel upsets associated with use of HIV-combination therapy. Actual needling is done in each set of points. Study participants were randomly assigned to either a group receiving the symptom-specific treatment first followed by the non-specific treatment, or to a group which received the two treatments in the opposite order. Although acupuncturists providing treatment were not masked, each study participant as well as the principal investigators, data entry personnel and statistical consultants are masked to treatment group assignment.
Demographic information as well as data on medical history, current levels of side-effects and adherence are collected at intake. Participants use diaries to record compliance with medication protocols and symptoms experienced. Assessments will be made based on data recorded at baseline (pre-study) as well as during each of the two arms of the study.
Results: Pilot results on the first 20 study participants will be presented. Although both sets of points resulted in decreases in the number, level and frequency of side-effects, the symptom-specific treatment had greater impact on symptom reduction (60% vs. 40%). Adherence was not appreciably changed and was high (>95%) throughout the coruse of the study.
Conclusions: Acupuncture treatments were safe and well-tolerated with no serious adverse effects reported. Both treatment arms resulted in symptom reduction. The study will be continued until the goal of 190 participants is reached.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeB6000
Suggested Citation
" E A S Sommers, et al.
Acupuncture cross-over trial: can acupuncture effectively control side-effects of HIV-combination therapy?
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeB6000"
|
|
|