Objective

2

To assess the effect and safety of electrothermal acupuncture in adjunctive treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients.

Methods

2

Sixty-six stable COPD patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group

with 33 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with bronchodilator inhalation combined with respiratory training for 4 weeks. In the observation group

on the basis of the treatment as the control group

electrothermal acupuncture was delivered at bilateral Quchi (LI 11)

Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6)

and the conventional filiform needling was operated at the supplementary acupoints selected according to the individual syndrome. The interventions in the observation group were given once every two days

3 treatments a week

for consecutive 4 weeks. Before and after treatment completion

the lung functions (forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1]

forced vital capacity [FVC]

FEV1/FVC and the percentage of diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide [DLCO%])

6 min walking distance (6MWD) and the score of COPD assessment test (CAT) were compared between the two groups. The attacks of acute exacerbation were recorded in 1-year follow-up visit in the two groups and the safety of electrothermal acupuncture was evaluated.

Results

2

After treatment

FEV1

FVC

FEV1/FVC

DLCO% and 6MWD were increased (

P

<

0.01

P

<

0.05)

and CAT scores were decreased (

P

<

0.01) in the two groups compared with those before treatment. FEV1

FVC

FEV1/FVC and 6MWD were higher and CAT score was lower in the observation group when compared with those of the control group (

P

<

0.05). In the 1-year follow-up visit

the cases of acute exacerbation in the observation group were fewer than that in the control group (

P

<

0.05). There were no treatment-related adverse reactions in the observation group.

Conclusion

2

On the basis of bronchodilator inhalation and respiratory training

electrothermal acupuncture can ameliorate the lung function

strengthen motor ability

reduce the cases of acute exacerbation safely and effectively in the patients with stable COPD.