Akupunktur und Moxibustion als ergänzende Therapie bei M. Crohn

Abstract

BackgroundAcupuncture has traditionally been used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in China and is increasingly applied in Western countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of active Crohn's disease. MethodsProspective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Change in Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was used after treatment as main outcome measure, changes in quality of life and general well-being, serum markers of inflammation (α1-acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein) as secondary outcome measures. 51 patients with mild to moderately active Crohn's disease were treated in a single center for complementary medicine by three trained acupuncterists and randomly assigned to receive either traditional acupuncture (TCM group, n = 27) or control treatment at non-acupuncture points (control group, n = 24). Patients were treated in 10 sessions over a period of 4 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks. ResultsIn the TCM group CDAI decreased from 250 (±51) to 163 (±56) points as compared with a mean decrease from 220 (±42) to 181 (±46) points in the control group (TCM vs. control group: p = 0.003). In both groups these changes were associated with improvements in general well-being and quality of life. α1-acid glycoprotein concentration fell significantly only in the TCM group (p = 0.046). ConclusionsApart from a marked placebo-effect traditional acupuncture offers an additional therapeutic benefit in patients with mild to moderately active Crohn's disease.