ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the quality of literature of clinical studies on acupuncture in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.Methods The literatures between 1998-2008 were searched by means of electronic retrieval.Type and methodology,general condition,criteria for diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic effects,following-up and side effects etc.in clinical studies were evaluated according to principles and methods of clincial epidemiology and evidence-based medicine.Results Of the 78 literatures enrolled,76 were studied in China and published in Chinese journal of China,only 2 were English literature and published in English journal of China.Only 7 were authentic randomized controlled trials(RCTs),21 quasi-randomized controlled trials and RCTs can't contact with authors,3 non-randomized concurrent controlled trials and 47 narrative studies.50 had clear international recognized diagnostic ctriteria.22 mentioned enrolled or excluded criteria.26 adopted TCM criteria for therapeutic effects,27 evaluated therapeutic effects with grading.4 the sample content above 100,33 between 60 and 99,4 mentioned compliance evaluation,3 described retreat cases,2 reported follow-up.11 reported adverse reaction.Conclustion Clinical studies on acupuncture in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome were mainly carried through in China,and the quality of study and literature is low comparatively.Therefore,high quality's RCTs with strict design are needed urgently in this area and the researchers should contribute to journals overseas.