Clinical Study on Acupuncture for Cancer-related Fatigue Due to Spleen-kidney Deficiency / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) due to spleen-kidney deficiency.Method Sixty eligible subjects with CRF due to spleen-kidney deficiency were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by nutritional support and symptomatic management, while the treatment group was treated with acupuncture in addition to the intervention given to the control group. The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), and peripheral blood test were observed before and after treatment.Result The KPS scores were significantly changed after treatment in both groups (P<0.05). The PFS item scores (behavior, affect, sensory, and cognition) were significantly changed after intervention in the treatment group (P<0.05). The behavior score in the control group was significantly changed after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, there were significant differences in comparing the PFS item scores between the two groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences in comparing the lymphocyte levels between the two groups after treatment (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture is an effective method in treating CRF due to spleen-kidney deficiency, and it can up-regulate the peripheral blood cells and strengthen the immunity.