Meta-analysis shows benefits of acupuncture as a nonpharmacological treatment in RA

May 24, 2022|Rheumatology

Key clinical point: Acupuncture relieves pain and improves the health index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and can be considered an adjunctive nonpharmacological treatment in rehabilitation programs.

Major finding: Invasive acupuncture vs control interventions significantly reduced pain (mean difference [MD] −1.00; P = .04), Health Assessment Questionnaire score (MD −0.20; P < .001), Physician Global Assessment score (MD −0.98; P < .001), tender joint count (MD −1.24; P = .005), C-reactive protein level (MD, −1.81; P = .019), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (MD, −3.03; P = .032). Similar benefits were observed with laser acupuncture. No adverse events were reported.

Study details: This was a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials including 796 patients with RA, of which 402 received acupuncture therapy and 394 received control interventions.

Disclosures: The study was supported by Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Elite Young Scholar Programme, Beijing, China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Li H et al. Clinical efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2022;5264977 (Apr 30). Doi: 10.1155/2022/5264977