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Research: HELMENREICH and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 141
Abstract
HELMENREICH and co-workers, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston School of Nursing [corrected] USA, have meta-analyzed trials of acupoint stimulation for nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
Background
The aim of this study was to use meta-analysis to examine the effects of acustimulation on the prevention of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
Methodology
Meta-analysis of effects of acustimulations (ie, acupressure, Acupuncture, and electrical stimulation) on the prevention of nausea and vomiting was conducted. 14 trials, 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with one RCT having two treatment modalities with four groups, and 6 crossover controlled trials (N = 1655) published over the last 16 years were evaluated for quality according to established guidelines. Relative risks were calculated from the data provided by the investigators of the original trials.
Results
Before the treatment, 100% of the women (13 trials, n = 1615 women) were nauseated, and 96.6% (1599/1655) reported vomiting. After the treatment, compared with the controls, Acustimulation (all modalities combined) reduced the proportion of nausea (Relative Risk = 0.47, p < .0001) and vomiting (Relative Risk = 0.59, p < .0001). Acupressure methods applied by finger pressure or wristband reduced nausea and vomiting. The electrical stimulation method was also effective in reducing nausea and vomiting. However, the acupuncture method did not show effects. There was a placebo effect when compared with controls in reducing nausea (three trials, Relative Risk = 0.63, p = .0479) and vomiting (five trials, Relative Risk = 0.67, p = .0084).
Conclusion
This meta-analysis demonstrates that acupressure and electrical stimulation had greater impact than the acupuncture methods in the treatment of nausea and vomiting.
References
Helmreich RJ, Shiao SY, Dune LS. Meta-analysis of acustimulation effects on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. Explore-The Journal of Science & Healing 2 (5): 412-421, Sep-Oct 2006.
