Electroacupuncture for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Multicenter, Randomized, Assessor-Blinded, Controlled Trial
Abstract
Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes. In patients with PDN, greater pain intensity leads to poorer quality of life, sleep, function, and work productivity (1–3). According to the clinical practice guideline, electrical stimulation is probably effective and should be considered for the treatment of PDN (evidence level B) (4). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for the management of PDN in patients with type 2 diabetes.
This multicenter, randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial was conducted between June 2014 and March 2016 at four centers in South Korea (clinical trial reg. no. KCT0001135, https://cris.nih.go.kr). A total of 126 participants with a ≥6-month history of PDN and a mean weekly pain score of ≥4 on the Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (PI-NRS) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an EA group ( n = 63) or control group ( n = 63). Randomization was performed by using a computer-generated random code, and allocation concealment was achieved using sequentially numbered, opaque sealed envelopes. The participants in the EA group received EA treatment with a mixed current of 2 Hz/120 Hz at 12 acupuncture points (bilateral Zusanli [ST36], Xuanzhong [GB39], Yinlingquan [SP9], Sanyinjiao [SP6], Taichong …
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 126 participants or records.
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