Journal of Acupuncture Research

Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society (대한침구의학회)
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A Systematic Review of Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • Kim, Hong Guk (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Ryoo, Dek Woo (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Jeong, Seong Mok (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Kim, Sung Jin (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Baek, Seung Won (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Lee, Chang Hee (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Yoon, Jin Young (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Goo, Bon Hyuk (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Kim, Min Jeong (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Park, Yeon Cheol (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Seo, Byung Kwan (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Baek, Yong Hyeon (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Nam, Sang Soo (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong) ;
  • Kim, Yong Suk (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital)
  • Received : 2017.03.24
  • Accepted : 2017.05.08
  • Published : 2017.05.20
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Abstract

Objectives : To evaluate and summarize the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment (AT) in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods : Fifteen databases (Pubmed, Cochrane, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang, and eight Korean databases) were searched up to September 2016. Only trials in which acupuncture was the sole treatment were included. Fatigue was used as the primary outcome measure, while the quality of life, pain, mood disorders, and adverse events were used as secondary outcome measures. We adopted three classifications: AT vs Sham AT, AT vs Wait-list, AT vs Western medication. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality. Results : A total of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 869 participants were identified. In comparison with Sham AT, AT significantly alleviated fatigue and pain, but no conclusions about the quality of life and mood disorders could be drawn. In the Wait-list group and Western medication groups, patients with CFS might feel less fatigued following acupuncture treatment, but the evidence was insufficient due to lack of study. Nine of 11 RCTs (81.8%) reported adverse events and there were two cases of mild subcutaneous hemorrhage, but no serious adverse cases. Conclusion : This review found evidence that patients with CFS may generally benefit from alleviation of symptoms by acupuncture treatment, and there is no evidence of worsening symptoms or causing of serious adverse events. A positive effect on fatigue and pain was observed, but no conclusion for improving quality of life and mood disorders.

Keywords

References

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