Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related breathlessness.
Palliat Med
; 10(2): 145-50, 1996 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-8800822
The palliation of cancer-related breathlessness is challenging and complex. An open pilot study was conducted, exploring the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in 20 patients who were breathless at rest and whose breathlessness was directly related to primary or secondary malignancy. Sternal and LI4 acupuncture points were used. Outcome measures included pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and patient-rated visual analogue scales of breathlessness, pain, anxiety and relaxation. At each time point the mean values of the variables were calculated and compared to their pretreatment levels (Student's t-test). Seventy per cent (14/20) of patients reported marked symptomatic benefit from treatment; there were significant changes in VAS scores of breathlessness, relaxation and anxiety at least up to 6 hours post acupuncture which were measured to be maximal at 90 minutes (p < 0.005, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant reduction in respiratory rate, which was sustained for 90 minutes post acupuncture (p < 0.02). The therapeutic value of acupuncture in the management of breathlessness requires further evaluation.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Cuidados Paliativos
/
Terapia por Acupuntura
/
Disnea
/
Neoplasias
Tipo de estudio:
Etiology_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Palliat Med
Asunto de la revista:
SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Año:
1996
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido