Meta-analysis of Consciousness-Restoring and Orifice-Opening Acupuncture Manipulation in Treating Stroke / 广州中医药大学学报

ABSTRACT

Based on the principle of evidence-based medicine, the efficacy and safety of consciousness-restoring and orifice-opening (CROO) acupuncture manipulation in treating stroke are systematically assessed. All reports of clinical trials of CROO acupuncture manipulation in treating stroke were collected and random-effect model of Meta-analysis was performed by using the statistical software of Review Manager (RevMan4.1). Sensitivity and heterogeneity were analyzed and tested; funnel-plot analysis was used to identify the publication bias. Comprehensive efficacy (Odds Ratio, OR) of CROO acupuncture manipulation in treating stroke was: OR of cure and markedly effective rate between groups being 3.65 and 95% confidence interval (CI) in the range of 1.70～7.83, OR for decreasing long-term death rate being 0.21 and 95% CI in the range of 0.08～0.52. Stratified analysis showed that OR of stroke sequela was 4.01 and OR of cerebral vascular infarction was 4.45. Adverse drug reaction was not found in all of the reports. Funnel-plot analysis showed the possible existence of publication bias. [ Conclusion]CROO acupuncture manipulation has certain effect in treating stroke, especially in treating acute stage of cerebral vascular infarction, and could reduce long-term death rate of stroke. Heterogeneity may result from the difference of trial designs and inclusive criteria. Funnel-plot analysis shows the possible existence of publication bias. This conclusion is rather limited and will get more evidence if multi-center, double-blinded, randomized and controlled trials could be carried out.