A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 15|[ndash]|20% of the adult population. Although IBS is commonly seen in primary care settings and constitutes the most likely cause of referrals to Gastroenterologists, the treatment for IBS is currently limited. Increasingly, alternative treatments have been used to help people with IBS. Although Acupuncture is being used by practitioners to treat many disorders, there is little data to support its use. In order to objectively assess the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment modality for patients with IBS, a randomized controlled trial was performed in the setting of a teaching hospital. Twenty-seven consecutive patients with IBS defined by Rome Criteria were included in the study. After initial screening and informed consent, baseline demographic information and characteristics of the IBS, including quality of life and symptoms, were collected using previously validated instruments. Patients were then randomized in a crossover design to receive either acupuncture treatment or relaxation sessions, three times a week for two weeks. Follow-up observation was performed for four weeks. Patients|[rsquo]| quality of life and gastrointestinal symptom scores were collected at a variety of stages of the study. Twenty-three patients completed the study. A statistically significant reduction of abdominal pain was seen in both acupuncture and relaxation groups during the treatment period, however the pain reduction effect persisted only in the acupuncture group at the four-week follow-up (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant reduction of stress perception was observed in the acupuncture group but not in relaxation group (p < 0.05). We conclude that acupuncture is an effective modality to treat IBS.