Integrative Medicine Research最新文献

{"title":"Evaluating efficacy and safety of auricular acupressure in treating allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Ngoc-Chau Le ,&nbsp;Minh-Man Pham Bui ,&nbsp;Dieu-Thuong Thi Trinh","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Allergic rhinitis significantly impacts health and quality of life, and symptom management remains a considerable challenge. This study aims to compare the treatment efficacy of auricular acupressure combined with fluticasone propionate versus fluticasone propionate alone for allergic rhinitis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial study was conducted with 90 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis according to ARIA 2008 guidelines. The control group (<em>n</em> = 45) received standard treatment, including fluticasone propionate, and sham auricular acupressure (SA), performed four times over four weeks. The intervention group (<em>n</em> = 45) received standard treatment with actual auricular acupressure (AA), performed four times over four weeks. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) weekly and after four weeks of treatment, along with monitoring for adverse effects of auricular acupressure.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After four weeks, the reduction in VAS scores for individual symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose, and itchy nose, showed mean differences between the control and intervention groups of 17.71 (95 % CI, 10.60–24.82); 22.73 (95 % CI, 15.71–29.76); 22.33 (95 % CI, 15.30–29.37); and 21.29 (95 % CI, 14.27–28.31) points, respectively (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001). The RQLQ score, medication usage decreased significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group. Adverse effects were reported in 11.11 % of cases, mostly mild, transient, and not requiring additional treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Auricular acupressure combined with fluticasone propionate provides effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis patients. Further interventional studies based on the classification of clinical syndromes in traditional medicine are warranted.</div><div><em>Trial registration</em>: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06323304.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101177"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144502293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traditional Chinese medicine therapies for insomnia: An umbrella review and evidence map","authors":"Jinxiang Wang ,&nbsp;Bing Bai ,&nbsp;Ranran Zhu ,&nbsp;Xintong Yu ,&nbsp;Xiaoting Xu ,&nbsp;Xiaomin Tu ,&nbsp;Lei Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>An increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SR/MAs) suggests traditional Chinese medicine therapies are effective for insomnia. We aimed to synthesize and evaluate the methodological quality of these studies through an umbrella review with an evidence map for improving evidence quality.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched 10 databases from inception to March 20, 2025, that investigated the effects of TCM therapies on sleep-related subjective or objective outcomes for insomnia. We assessed the methodological quality of included SR/MAs using A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) tool, evaluated the certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool, and visually presented the results as an evidence map.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-six SR/MAs included in this umbrella review described 3 TCM non-pharmacotherapies (i.e., acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises), and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The AMSTAR 2 results showed that 20 SR/MAs had high or moderate methodological quality, while the remaining studies were of low or critically low methodological quality. The evidence map showed high-quality SR/MAs supported the effect of acupuncture, Tuina massage, Chinese exercises, and CHM on overall sleep quality, while acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises could also improve anxiety and depression. Moreover, acupuncture and Tuina massage might improve objective outcomes such as polysomnography parameters and 5-hydroxytryptamine level.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises are effective in improving overall sleep quality and emotional outcomes and have potential effects on objective sleep parameters. There is sufficient evidence that several CHM formulas could improve sleep quality. However, the methodological quality of SR/MAs needs further improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>PROSPERO, CRD42022347769.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144502292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of herbal medicine (Thatbunjob) in the treatment of foodborne illness: A placebo-controlled, randomized trial","authors":"Jaiboonya Jaicharoensub ,&nbsp;Sumalee Panthong ,&nbsp;Intouch Sakpakdeejaroen ,&nbsp;Thanee Eiamsitrakoon ,&nbsp;Patommatat Bhanthumkomol","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Foodborne illness (FI) causes 600 million cases and 420,000 deaths annually. Current treatments focus on rehydration and antispasmodic medications for managing dehydration and abdominal pain (AP). However, alternative therapies, especially those derived from natural ingredients, are needed. This study investigates the potential efficacy of herbal medicine,Thatbunjob as a complementary therapy for FI-related AP.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy of Thatbunjob in relieving AP in FI patients. A total of 114 patients, aged 18–60, with AP and diarrhea (≥3 episodes in 24 h), received either two 500 mg capsules of Thatbunjob or a placebo three times daily for three days. Both groups also received standard oral rehydration therapy. Primary outcomes included AP intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 h, while secondary outcomes included pain at 48 and 72 h, responder rates, hyoscine butyl bromide usage, stool frequency, and adverse events.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The Thatbunjob group showed significantly greater reduction in AP compared to the placebo. VAS scores decreased from 5.69 to 2.95 at 24 h (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), and pain relief persisted at 48 (1.43 vs. 3.05, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and 72 h (0.32 vs. 1.86, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Thatbunjob also reduced the need for hyoscine tablets and decreased stool frequency compared to placebo.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrates that Thatbunjob, when combined with standard rehydration therapy, effectively alleviates AP and reduces stool frequency in FI patients.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>Thai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR20220823001.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101153"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144471059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Herbal decoctions for dysmenorrhea under universal health coverage pilot project: Evidence from a nationwide claims database in the Republic of Korea","authors":"Kyeore Bae ,&nbsp;Minjung Park ,&nbsp;Junhyeok Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite its high prevalence, dysmenorrhea is an underestimated gynecological disorder. To enhance the service coverage, the Pilot Project for Expanding National Health Insurance (NHI) Coverage to Herbal Decoctions (HDs) was implemented in the Republic of Korea from November 2020. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of HDs for dysmenorrhea at a nationwide level. Additionally, its impact on accessibility was explored.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective observational study used claims data from the pilot project (November 1, 2020, to April 28, 2024). A linear mixed-effects model was used to estimate symptom improvement during the HD exposure period. Time series data decomposition and structural change points detection were performed using NHI statistics on dysmenorrhea patient counts for those who received medical services between 2014 and 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 39,574 participants, a descriptive analysis of 7016 suggested a tendency to receive HD treatment for moderate-to-severe symptoms. Effectiveness analysis demonstrated that HD significantly reduced symptom severity over time (β = –0.072, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Adverse events were reported by 0.58 % of the patients, mostly involving gastrointestinal symptoms. Following the initiation of the pilot project, a significant increase in the number of patients with dysmenorrhea receiving traditional Korean medicine (TKM) services was observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The nationwide pilot project showed clinical effectiveness and a manageable safety profile of HDs for dysmenorrhea. The universal health coverage initiative appeared to have improved the accessibility of TKM services for managing dysmenorrhea. Further robust research utilizing nationwide real-world data is required to validate these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101152"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144195483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of acupoint catgut embedding for simple obesity in adults: A randomized controlled double-blind trial","authors":"Qiwang Yang ,&nbsp;Nenggui Xu ,&nbsp;Lidong Guo ,&nbsp;Hui Li ,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Li ,&nbsp;Qingmei Zeng ,&nbsp;Wenyue Zhang ,&nbsp;Shiping Li ,&nbsp;Wei Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is considered an effective treatment for simple obesity, though high-quality clinical evidence remains lacking. To establish a solid evidence base in obesity management, well-designed studies are needed to verify both the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of ACE.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this randomized controlled, double-blind trial, 120 patients with simple obesity were initially allocated to verum ACE (<em>n</em> = 60) or sham ACE group (<em>n</em> = 60) .One participant allocated to the verum group was excluded during screening for failing to meet BMI criteria (&lt;24 kg/m²), resulting in a final cohort of 59 verum and 60 sham cases completing the 12-week intervention and 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in body weight from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes included body weight change at 12-week follow-up, cumulative weight change by week 24, changes in body mass index (BMI), body fat status, body circumference, and appetite indicators.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After the 12-week treatment, both groups showed varying degrees of weight loss, with the verum ACE group experiencing a significantly greater reduction compared to the sham group. At the 12-week follow-up, the visceral fat grade of the verum group was significantly greater than that of sham group. The waist, upper arm, and thigh girths in the verum group decreased significantly more than that in sham group; the reduction degree of waist-hip ratio was significantly better than that in the sham group at all time points. Additionally, the cumulative reduction in appetite factors was significantly higher in the verum group compared to the sham group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ACE can significantly reduce body weight, and is both long-lasting and safe. It also has beneficial effects on fat distribution, body circumference, and appetite, making it a promising complementary therapy for simple obesity.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100046693.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 101151"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144105933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating and ranking guidelines on traditional and integrative medicine globally: Establishment of the International STAR-TIM Committee","authors":"Xuan Yu ,&nbsp;Yishan Qin ,&nbsp;Janne Estill ,&nbsp;Hui Liu ,&nbsp;Xu Wang ,&nbsp;Zhaoxiang Bian ,&nbsp;Yaolong Chen ,&nbsp;on behalf of STAR Secretariat","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To further enhance the quality and transparency of practice guidelines and consensus statements, the Scientific, Transparent, and Applicable Rankings (STAR) working group was officially established and commenced its work in 2021. The STAR tool contains 39 items grouped into 11 domains, with each domain and item assigned to a weight that reflects its importance. In 2021–2022, a total of 266 Chinese Traditional and Integrative Medicine (TIM) guidelines and consensus statements met the inclusion criteria for STAR evaluation. After evaluating these TIM guidelines and consensus statements, the highest STAR score achieved was 96.5 (out of 100), with a median score 23.3 and a mean score of 32.0. As the number of TIM guidelines and consensus statements published globally continues to increase, the STAR Secretariat aims to establish an International STAR Specialty Committee for TIM. Utilizing the integrated STAR evaluation system and large language models, the committee seeks to enhance the efficiency of evaluations without compromising accuracy. This initiative aims to conduct evaluations of international TIM guidelines and consensus statements, thereby improving their quality and transparency. Additionally, it will assess the importance and necessity of developing the International STAR-TIM Extension.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 101150"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144067947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture and moxibustion in integrative oncology and new progress in China","authors":"Ming Yang ,&nbsp;Yue Chen ,&nbsp;Yuxiang Wan ,&nbsp;Chen Shen ,&nbsp;Jinchang Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acupuncture and moxibustion are increasingly gaining recognition in the clinical and research fields of integrative oncology. This review synthesizes findings from clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture and moxibustion for cancer care. Clinical evidence highlights acupuncture’s efficacy in managing symptoms such as hot flashes, pain, insomnia, fatigue, and constipation. Acupuncture also demonstrates potential effects in reducing chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced side effects. Recent advancements in China shows integrated therapies combining acupuncture with chemotherapy to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, laboratory studies reveal the potential of acupuncture and moxibustion to modulate the tumor microenvironment, boost chemotherapy efficacy, and strengthen immunity. Despite these promising results, there is a pressing need for well-designed trials and real-world studies to evaluate the long-term effects of standardized acupuncture and moxibustion treatments in cancer care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 101149"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative effectiveness and safety of acupuncture vs metformin in insulin-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome women: A network meta-analysis of RCTs","authors":"Wen-Li Yan ,&nbsp;Zun-Qi Kan ,&nbsp;Li-Qiong Wang ,&nbsp;Zhen-Ping Yu ,&nbsp;Cun-Zhi Liu ,&nbsp;Shi-Yan Yan ,&nbsp;Na-Na Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) comparing the effectiveness and safety of traditional acupuncture with metformin. This study aims to identify an effective and safe alternative treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) complicated by insulin resistance (IR).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and relevant citations for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to August 12, 2024. Data extraction and bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers, and Bayesian NMA was performed using the GeMTC package, with a random effects model. The NMA compared the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture with metformin which were measured using the Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and the incidence of adverse events (AEs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We included 12 RCTs (<em>n</em> = 870). Four RCTs compared acupuncture with metformin, six compared metformin with control interventions (blank control or placebo), and two compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture. Acupuncture (Mean difference (MD): -0.76, 95 % credible interval (CrI): -1.42, -0.03) and metformin (MD: -0.74, 95 % CrI: -1.28, -0.17) significantly reduced the IR level (HOMA-IR). No statistical difference was observed between both treatment methods in improving glucose metabolism; however, acupuncture had fewer AEs (risk ratio: 0.13, 95 % CrI: 0.01, 0.68). Acupuncture all ranked high in terms of surface under the cumulative ranking curve across all outcomes, thus demonstrating better effectiveness and safety potential.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acupuncture may be a potential alternative for PCOS women with IR, as it is equally effective, easier to perform, and relatively safer than metformin. Further trials are necessary to confirm these findings owing to the current lack of sufficient evidence.</div><div><em>Protocol registration</em>: PROSPERO, CRD42024581934.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 101148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144067946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patient Experiences of Integrative health CarE [PEICE]: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Matthew J Leach ,&nbsp;Simon DuBois ,&nbsp;Reine DuBois","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Although consumer demand and practitioner interest in integrative health care (IHC) have amplified over the past few decades, the patient experience of IHC still remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore patient’s experiences of receiving care within an IHC setting in Australia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Adults that had accessed an IHC setting within the past 12 months were invited to participate in a national, cross-sectional study. Individuals meeting the inclusion criteria were asked to complete the 57-item Integrative Healthcare Experience Tool (iHEET), online.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 327 participants completed the iHEET (82.3 % female; 92.9 % aged 30 years or older). Participants reported a generally favourable experience of IHC, as indicated by an overall IHC experience score of 4.19 ± 0.90 (mean ± SD). Mean experience subscores were high for 8 of the 12 IHC experience domains (i.e. respectful, personalised, patient-centred, holistic, interdisciplinary, evidence-based, communicative, wellness-focussed), and moderate for 4 of the 12 domains (i.e. non-hierarchical, collaborative, coordinated, accessible).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this novel study suggest IHC practice in Australia closely aligns with the philosophy and framework of IHC, and is mostly congruent with what patients want from an IHC service. Notwithstanding, there are several areas where IHC services could improve in order to optimise the patient experience. These areas include providing care that is more visibly collaborative and coordinated, and enabling equitable access to services for diverse patient populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 101147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A nationwide retrospective cohort study of the association between acupuncture exposure and clinical outcomes of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease using health insurance claim data in South Korea","authors":"Ye-Chae Hwang ,&nbsp;Jungkuk Lee ,&nbsp;Dongwoo Kang ,&nbsp;Han-Gyul Lee ,&nbsp;Seungwon Kwon ,&nbsp;Seung-Yeon Cho ,&nbsp;Seong-Uk Park ,&nbsp;Woo-Sang Jung ,&nbsp;Sang-Kwan Moon ,&nbsp;Jung-Mi Park ,&nbsp;Jungtae Leem ,&nbsp;Chang-Nam Ko","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) has been associated with increased global mortality. While acupuncture has been reported to slow IPD progression, its effect on mortality remains unclear. This study investigated the association between acupuncture exposure and mortality, causes of death, and prognosis in patients with IPD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using customized cohort data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), we analyzed patients newly diagnosed with IPD without disabilities between 2012 and 2016. Patients were classified into an acupuncture group (≥six sessions within 1 year of diagnosis) and a non-acupuncture group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied, and Cox proportional hazards models were used for survival analysis. During a 6-year follow-up, hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated for overall and cause-specific mortality, emergency room visits, fractures, and the first deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure, using the non-acupuncture group as the reference.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After PSM, 6394 patients were included in each group. The HR for mortality in the acupuncture group was 0.887 (95 % CI: 0.813−0.967), indicating a significantly lower mortality risk. Deaths due to neoplasms and digestive diseases were also lower in the acupuncture group. No significant differences were observed between groups in fracture risk, emergency room visits, or DBS procedures.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acupuncture exposure was associated with a reduced mortality rate in patients with IPD. These findings suggest potential benefits of integrating acupuncture into IPD management, though further long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 101146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}