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Research: MARTIN and colleagues hav
Listed in Issue 89
Abstract
MARTIN and colleagues have reviewed (32 references) and meta-analyzed 11 published randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for asthma.
Background
Results from randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for the treatment of asthma are contradictory in that they suggest both a beneficial and a detrimental effect.
Methodology
A formal systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted of all randomized controlled trials in the published literature comparing acupuncture at real and sham points. For inclusion trials had to measure at least one of the following outcomes: peak expiratory flow rate, forced expiratory volume in one second, and forced vital capacity. Estimates of the standardized mean difference between acupuncture and placebo were computed for each trial and combined to estimate an overall effect.
Results
11 trials met the inclusion criteria and yielded numerical data. Standardized differences were between 0.071 and 0.133 in favour of real acupuncture, which does not constitute a conventionally significant effect. However the meta-analysis was limited by sample sizes, missing information in individual trials, adjustment of baseline characteristics, and a possible bias against acupuncture in that some sham points used may not be completely inactive.
Conclusion
There is an obvious need to conduct a full-scale randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for asthma, especially addressing the prognostic value of the aetiology of the disease.
References
Martin J, Donaldson ANA, Villaroel R, Parmar MKB, Ernst E, Higginson IJ. Efficacy of acupuncture in asthma: systematic review and meta-analysis of published data from 11 randomised controlled trials. The European Respiratory Journal 20 (4): 846-852, Oct 2002.
