Abstract
Background and AimPatients with diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) experience abdominal pain and reduced quality of life and need effective treatments. This study aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) at two acupuncture points, LI4 and ST36, could improve pain and quality of life of patients with IBS-D. Materials and MethodsA total of 42 patients with IBS-D who met the Rome IV criteria were randomly divided into two groups: TEA and sham-TEA. TEA was performed through acupoints Hegu (LI4) and Zusanli (ST36) for one hour twice daily for one month, using previously established parameters; sham-TEA was delivered in the same way as TEA but without actual electrical current stimulation. ResultsThe sham-TEA group showed a significantly higher rate of drop-out than the TEA group (29% vs 0%, p = 0.021). TEA, but not sham-TEA, significantly improved quality of life (before: 78.55 ± 9.62, after: 85.97 ± 9.49, p < 0.0001). Both TEA and sham-TEA reduced abdominal pain; however, TEA was more potent than sham-TEA (p = 0.014). The IBS symptom severity scale score was reduced by both TEA and sham-TEA. Autonomic functions assessed by plasma norepinephrine and pancreatic polypeptide were not altered with TEA, nor was interleukin 10 or interleukin 6. ConclusionsTEA at LI4 and ST36 improves abdominal pain and quality of life of patients with IBS-D, probably mediated by mechanisms other than autonomic function or inflammatory cytokines.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.