Acupuncture Improves Symptoms in Patients with Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Preliminary Trial

摘要

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of a definitive trial investigating the effects of acupuncture on atopic dermatitissymptoms including itching.Design: A randomized, sham-controlled preliminary trial with three arms with a 4-week intervention period and a 4-weekfollow-up.Interventions: Thirty participants were allocated to three arms (the verum acupuncture group 1 [VA1, 3 times weekly for 4weeks], the verum acupuncture group 2 [VA2, twice weekly for 4 weeks], and the sham acupuncture group [SA, twiceweekly for 4 weeks]) at a 1:1:1 ratio.Main outcome measures: We determined the visual analogue scale (VAS) for itching and insomnia, SCORing AtopicDermatitis (SCORAD), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and DermatologyLife Quality Index (DLQI) scores over the course of the study. Baseline index score (BIS) comparison according to generalsymptom was performed.Results: The SCORAD, VAS (Pruritus), VAS (Insomnia), POEM, DLQI, and EASI were significantly improved in the VA groups.Significant BIS mean differences were observed most predominantly in epigastric tenderness and dyspepsia. There was nosignificant difference between VA1 and VA2 groups in all the main evaluation indices.Conclusions: For the following research, the authors suggest SCORAD (Total) as primary outcome and SCORAD (objective),VAS (Itch), VAS (insomnia), EASI, POEM, and DLQI as secondary outcomes. Thirty six participants should be conducted a 4-week acupuncture period (twice weekly) and a 4-week follow-up. It is necessary to compare the differences of generalsymptoms according to presence of epigastric tenderness or dyspepsia at the screening level.