Effect evaluation of auricular plaster therapy based on the pattern/syndrome differentiation in patients with constipation induced by strong opioid drugs for pain

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of auricular plaster therapy on associated symptoms and quality of life in patients with constipation induced by strong opioid drugs for pain.Methods A total of 60 patients selected were randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group with 30 cases in each group.The intervention group was treated with auriculotherapy based on the pattern/syndrome differentiation after detecting the auricular sensitive acupoints' distribution in patients with opioid-induced constipation after receiving opioid therapy.BFI,self-made scale on symptoms accompanied by constipation and PAC-QOL were used to collect data about constipation symptoms and the level of quality of life before or after the intervention,and still with a subset of the intervention group followed for more than two weeks.Results The BFI and PAC-QOL scores of the intervention and control group were lower after intervention,and the decline score of the two groups showed significant difference.But for the self-made scale,the score of each item was slightly lower compared with that before treatment,which showed no statistically significant difference between groups.A follow-up of 2 weeks showed that the long-term efficacy of auricular plaster therapy was significantly lower than before,but was less desirable than short-term.Conclusions Scientific and reasonable choice of acupoint prescription according to syndrome differentiation can effectively improve symptoms accompanied by constipation and patients' quality of life. Key words: Auricular plaster therapy; Opioid; Constipation; Quality of life