RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: We investigated the efficacy and safety of miniscalpel acupuncture (MA) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in an assessor-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial; this would provide information for a large-scale randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Participants (n = 24) were recruited and randomly allocated to the MA group (experimental) or acupuncture group (control). The MA group received treatment once a week for 3 weeks (total of 3 treatments), while the acupuncture group received treatment two times per week for 3 weeks (total of 6 treatments). The primary outcome was pain as assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes (intensity of current pain, stiffness, and physical function) were assessed using the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 during treatment and at week 5 (2 weeks after the end of treatment). RESULTS: Of the 24 participants, 23 completed the study. Both groups showed significant improvements in VAS, SF-MPQ, and WOMAC. However, there were no significant differences between the MA and acupuncture groups. No serious adverse event occurred and blood test results were within normal limits. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that although both MA and acupuncture provide similar effects with regard to pain control in patients with KOA, MA may be more effective in providing pain relief because the same relief was obtained with fewer treatments. A large-scale clinical study is warranted to further clarify these findings.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Use of treatments categorized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) have increased considerably in the field of dermatology. However, most studies have been focused on atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and little is known of the prevalence of use of CAM in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the frequency, type, duration, and factors associated with the use of CAM in the treatment of AGA at a dermatologic outpatient clinic. METHODS: AGA patients at the outpatient clinic (n=151) received a face-to-face structured questionnaire covering 5 types of CAM plus an open alternative labeled 'other type'. RESULTS: Overall 70.2% (106/151) of the subjects with AGA reported the current or previous use of at least 1 CAM. Topical application (85, 56.3%) was most frequently used, followed by diet therapy (35, 23.2%), health food supplements (15, 9.9%), massage therapy (13, 8.6%), and Oriental medicine (10, 6.6%). With respect to the reasons for using CAM, 'recommendation by people around the patient' (59.4%) was most commonly chosen by the patients. The subjective therapeutic effect and satisfaction with CAM were the best with health food supplements and topical application (80.0% and 21.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: As our results indicate that the use of CAM continues to rise by patients with AGA, the need for reliable sources of information about specific CAM therapies becomes more essential. To assist AGA patients in selecting proper treatment modalities, further longitudinal and controlled studies are required to assess the efficacy and safety of CAM.
