Common Alternative Therapies Research Articles

Symptom Profile, Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy, and Diagnostic Testing in Patients With Persistent Reflux-Like Symptoms: Results From a Population-Based Survey

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are highly effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, persistent, troublesome reflux symptoms despite PPI use are common, and a proportion of individuals with these persistent symptoms is considered to have refractory GERD (rGERD). There are limited data on patients’ experience with persistent reflux-like symptoms to guide healthcare professionals in managing this troublesome condition. Methods: An international, population-based, online survey was conducted among adults who reported persistent reflux-like symptoms; 24 questions were posed regarding the participants’ symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and comorbid conditions. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize participants’ experience with diagnosis and their satisfaction with treatment. All data were self-reported. Results: Of 565 initial respondents, 283 (51%) answered the question regarding being formally diagnosed by a healthcare professional with GERD and/or rGERD. The 197 (70%) participants who answered “yes” made up the survey population. Heartburn (65%) and acid regurgitation (62%) were the most common troublesome symptoms. PPI use was reported by 145 (74%) respondents, but only 30% were satisfied with PPI therapy. The most common alternative therapies included antacid/alginates (63%), histamine H2-receptor antagonists (33%), mucosal protectants (25%), and lifestyle modifications (84%). Conclusions: In this population-based survey, nearly one-third of participants with persistent reflux-like symptoms had not received a formal diagnosis of GERD or rGERD. Although most participants diagnosed with GERD/rGERD had received PPI therapy, persistent symptoms, dissatisfaction with PPI therapy, and concerns about long-term PPI use were common. These data emphasize the need for patient input when developing management strategies for GERD and persistent reflux-like symptoms or rGERD.

Prevalence of Use and Perceived Effectiveness of Medical, Surgical, and Alternative Therapies for Endometriosis Pain in Canadians

ObjectivesTo describe the use and perceived effectiveness of medical, surgical, and alternative therapies (e.g., diet, exercise, heat, cannabis, etc.) in managing endometriosis-associated pain in Canadians. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was distributed via The Endometriosis Network Canada (TENC) from February to March 2021. Canadians aged 18–50 years with diagnosed or suspected endometriosis were eligible to participate. ResultsA total of 434 survey responses were included, and 93.8% of respondents reported that they used at least 1 alternative therapy in the past 6 months for endometriosis-associated pain. Respondents used an array of medical (2.3/6 months), surgical (1.7/lifetime), and alternative therapies (6.9/6 months) to manage their pain, yet 61.9% of respondents did not feel it was adequately managed. The most common alternative therapies were heat, meditation/mindfulness/rest, and diet. ConclusionAlternative therapies were commonly used by Canadians living with endometriosis to manage pain. Cannabis and heat were perceived as the most effective alternative therapies. Here, we gain a better understanding of alternative therapies that can provide an additional therapeutic avenue that clinicians and people living with endometriosis may wish to discuss and explore.

Effect of Tongfu traditional Chinese medicine preparation on patients with septic gastrointestinal dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tongfu traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation is a common alternative therapy for clinical treatment of patients with septic gastrointestinal dysfunction. In recent years, a number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of Tongfu TCM preparation in the treatment of sepsis gastrointestinal dysfunction, but all of them have been small sample studies, and the research conclusions have been controversial. Here, this study conducted a meta-analysis on the clinical efficacy of the treatment of septic gastrointestinal dysfunction with TCM preparation, to produce a more objective and comprehensive systematic review to guide clinical application. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tongfu traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation in the treatment of patients with septic gastrointestinal dysfunction. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tongfu TCM preparation in the treatment of septic gastrointestinal dysfunction published before February 2021 were searched for in the Chinese databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Disk (CBMdisc), and Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), and English databases PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and The Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software, and funnel plots were drawn to evaluate the bias of literatures. A total of 22 RCTs involving 1,558 patients were included. There were 772 patients in the control group and 786 in the trial group. Meta-analysis results showed that: gastrointestinal dysfunction score [mean difference (MD) =-0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.61 to -0.38], Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (MD =-3.30, 95% CI: -3.73 to -2.86), and mortality (MD =0.34, 95% CI: 0.25-0.47) in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The funnel plot results showed that there was little possibility of publication bias. Tongfu TCM preparation can effectively improve the gastrointestinal function of patients with sepsis gastrointestinal dysfunction, prevent the deterioration of the disease, and reduce the mortality; however, more evidence is required to substantiate these findings.

Acupuncture for the treatment of diarrheal-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal diseases. Although acupuncture has become a common alternative therapy for IBS, there is insufficient evidence for its effectiveness. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS.Methods/designThis is a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial. According to the ratio of 1:1:1, 90 patients with irritable bowel syndrome will be randomly divided into specific acupoints (SA) group, non-specific acupoints (NSA) group, and non-acupoints (NA) group. All patients will be treated with acupuncture 12 times within 4 weeks and followed up for 8 weeks. The primary outcome is the response rate, the percentage of patients whose average value of worst abdominal pain is 30% better and the days of loose stool is 50% less than the baseline, at week 4 after randomization. The secondary outcomes include the response rates at other time points, IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression scale (PHQ-9), IBS-Quality of Life scale (IBS-QOL), IBS Adequate Relief (IBS-AR), Abdominal Pain Score, Abdominal Bloating Score, Bristol Stool Score (BBS), blinding assessment, and credibility evaluation. Adverse events will be monitored and recorded during the trial.Trial registrationChictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000030670. Registered on 9 March 2020.

Effect of Acupuncture on the Timeliness of Explosive Forces Generated by the Male Shoulder Joint.

Athletes aim to improve muscle strength to optimize sports performance and gain a competitive edge. Although modern sports medicine includes rehabilitation treatment methods for improving the explosive force of athletes, including acupuncture, a common alternative therapy, research on the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving the timeliness of explosive forces is limited. There is uncertainty regarding how long the effects of acupuncture treatment persist after treatment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effect of acupuncture on the timeliness of explosive forces generated by the male shoulder joint. Eighteen healthy men underwent tests of shoulder adduction/abduction (Add/Abd) and flexion/extension (Flex/Ext) through an isokinetic measurement system. Acupuncture was used to stimulate LU1 (Zhongfu), LU3 (Tianfu), LU4 (Xiabai), LI14 (Binao), SJ13 (Naohui), SJ14 (Jianliao), and SJ12 (Xiaoluo), and the isokinetic parameters were recorded before and after acupuncture. After acupuncture, isokinetic muscle force parameters including the maximum (Max) torque, the average power, the average peak power, the average work, and the total work increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas the average max torque Abd/Flex did not. Additionally, the preintervention values of the shoulder joints for Add/Abd and Flex/Ext were significantly greater than those at post 1 and post 2 (P < 0.05). The isokinetic results suggest that acupuncture can increase the explosive force of the male shoulder joint Add/Abd and Flex/Ext. Muscle cannot be fully activated when calcium saturation is below the maximal level. In this case, the postactivation potentiation (PAP) may enhance voluntary muscle force production. The effect of acupuncture is time-dependent, that is, the effects of acupuncture gradually weaken and disappear by approximately 10 minutes after acupuncture. Therefore, we suggest that acupuncture is used as an alternative therapy in sports competitions to increase the explosive forces of the shoulder joint, thereby improving sports performance.

1170 ENDOSCOPIC TRANSPAPILLARY GALLBLADDER STENT PLACEMENT TO PREVENT ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS IN PATIENTS RECEIVING FULLY COVERED SELF EXPANDING METAL STENTS FOR BENIGN BILIARY STRICTURE

Treatment of benign biliary strictures (BBS) with fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) has become common practice due to its deceased number of endoscopic sessions and its efficacy in resolution of benign strictures. However, placement of FCSEMS for BBS poses intrinsic risk, including stent migration, pancreatitis and acute cholecystitis at a rate of 2.9% to 12%. Prophylactic endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETPGBS) during the same ERCP session can allow continuous gallbladder drainage and prevent acute cholecystitis from occlusion of cystic duct orifice by the FCSEMS. The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ETPGBS prior to placement of FCSEMS for BBS for prevention of acute cholecystitis. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database at a single tertiary-care referral center of all patients who underwent FCSEMS for BBS with prophylactic endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stent placement between 12/1/2016 and 11/30/2019. Demographic, endoscopic, imaging, clinical management, and follow-up data was abstracted and analyzed. A total of 46 transpapillary GB stents were placed during the study period. Selective cystic duct and gallbladder wire cannulation was achieved followed by successful placement of ETPGBS in all patients (technical success 100%). 10 patients underwent ETPGBS prior to biliary FCSEMS during the same endoscopic session. (Figure) The mean age was 69 ± 21.83 years, and the majority of patients were male (80%). A 7 Fr by 22 cm low-profile, soft, plastic double-pigtail gallbladder stent with larger inner lumen was used in all cases. In all cases, a 10 mm diameter FCSEMS (length ranging from 40 mm to 100 mm; 60 mm being the most common) was placed in the common bile duct. There was significant improvement in total bilirubin level (pre-procedural 4±3.08 vs post-procedural 1.27±1.1 gm/dL with mean reduction of 2.73±1.27; p=0.04). FCSEMS were left in place (stent dwell time) for a median of 139 (range: 87-291; mean 164±68) days with resolution of BBS and successful removal of ETPGBS and FCSEMS in all patients. No episodes of acute cholecystitis or any other post-procedural complications were noted during the median follow-up of 126 (range: 3-380; mean 169±147) days. Treatment of BBS with FCSEMS has become an increasingly common alternative therapy to plastic biliary stents. However, rates of acute cholecystitis have been documented as high as 12%. Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stent placement prior to FCSEMS in our study demonstrated an effective treatment of BBS without an increase in procedural or post-procedural complications. ETPGBS prevented post-procedural acute cholecystitis with continued efficacy of FCSEMS.

Placebo effect of acupuncture on insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Acupuncture is a common alternative therapy for clinical treatment of insomnia. As the underlying mechanism is yet unclear, its efficacy is often considered as placebo effect. To clarify whether acupuncture treatment of insomnia is only due to its placebo effect, a systematic review and a meta-analysis were designed based on the comparison between acupuncture and sham acupuncture. Four English (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library) and three Chinese (CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang) databases were searched, and the validity of the eligible studies was critically appraised. Thirteen eligible randomized controlled trials of moderate-to-high quality that employed polysomnography (PSG), actigraphy, or self-assessment sleep quality tools were included in the present study. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as the primary outcome measure (911 adult patients, 13 trials) for trials investigating the effects of acupuncture as compared to the sham acupuncture. Then, a subgroup analysis was performed to detect the sources of heterogeneity, identify the selection of sham acupuncture methods and different crowd characteristics, and explore its contributions to the total score change of PSQI. Compared to the sham groups, acupuncture significantly decreased the PSQI score (P<0.0001). A subgroup analysis showed that the selection of sham acupuncture methods did not affect the results of PSQI. A subgroup of two trials with a total of 141 participants with major depressive disorder did not show any significant reductions in total PSQI scores (P=0.11). In addition, a significant difference was detected in the change of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores (362 adult patients, 4 trials) between acupuncture and sham acupuncture (P<0.0001). The PSG and actigraphy data from acupuncture and the sham did not reveal any significant differences in the sleep structure changes. Acupuncture treatment of insomnia is efficacious, not because of its placebo effect. For the selection of sham acupuncture, both methods performed similarly in a clinical setting. Moreover, insomnia patients with major depression disorder were not recommended to use only acupuncture treatment.

Use of Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Obesity in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Background:The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Herbal medicines are one of the most common alternative therapies for weight loss. The aim of this study was to determine the usage rate of herbal medicines in the city of Taif, Saudi Arabia, and which plants were most commonly used to treat obesity.Materials and Methods:This is a cross-sectional study conducted using a pretested questionnaire that was randomly distributed to overweight and obese people in Taif, Saudi Arabia.Results:A total of 422 cases completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 60.3%. The majority of patients (98.1%) used herbal medicines to lose weight, with green tea (88.4%) and ginger (29.5%) being the most commonly used herbs. More than one-third of respondents declared that they suffered from side effects; however, most (72%) of the respondents admitted that they would use herbal medications again.Conclusion:The current study shows a high usage rate of herbal medicines for the treatment of obesity in Saudi Arabia. However, further studies are needed on the risks and benefits of the use of herbal medicines to treat obesity. Pharmacists and health professionals should conduct a community-based awareness program to spread awareness of both the benefits and risks of medicinal herbs.

Comparison of microwave ablation and transcatheter ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of early hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Patients with cirrhosis and early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may not be candidates for surgical resection due to liver dysfunction. Two common alternative therapies to treat HCC are transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and microwave ablation (MWA). We compared outcomes between HCC patients within Milan criteria after initial treatment with these two therapies. Methods: The records of 58 patients diagnosed with HCC within Milan criteria and treated initially with either TACE or MWA were reviewed. Pre-treatment factors, perioperative outcomes and survival were compared between groups. Results: There were 36 patients treated with MWA and 22 with TACE. Pre-treatment AFP levels were higher in the TACE group. Treatment with MWA was associated with progression-free survival (PFS) of 17.1 months versus 8.9 months after TACE (p=0.56). Disease- specific survival (DSS) was higher in the MWA group (median not reached) than the TACE group (32.0 months, p=0.047). Nine (15.5%) patients in this cohort went on to receive liver transplantation. Conclusions: Treatment with either MWA or TACE for patients with cirrhosis and unresectable HCC within Milan criteria is generally safe and initially effective, but recurrence and eventual death due to HCC or cirrhosis is common. These therapies should be a bridge to transplantation for all appropriate candidates.

C-B3-04: Use of Alternative Lifestyle Methods to Control Hypertension in Individuals Entering a Blood Pressure Clinical Trial

Tessa Kerby, BA1, Stephen Asche, MA1, Michael Maciosek, PhD1, Patrick O’Connor, MD, MPH1, Rachel Pritchard, BS1, Jaime Sekenski, BS1, JoAnn Sperl-Hillen, MD1 and Karen Margolis, MD, MPH1 1HealthPartners

Use of Alternative Therapies in Patients With Asthma in Central New Jersey

The objective was to investigate characteristics of patients using alternative therapies for asthma, reasons for its use and its association with conventional medicine use. Over a period of 14 months, 32 (18%) of 187 patients completing a survey reported using alternative therapies to treat asthma. The most common alternative therapy used was exercise/massage; the least popular was homeopathy. The highest users were women (59%), ages 41-50 (31%), White ethnicity (63%), higher education (56%), and higher annual household income (84%). The major reasons for usage were having more control of their health, personal beliefs, and concern over side effects of conventional medication. It is concluded that the rate of alternative therapy use in patients with asthma in central New Jersey was lower than in some other studies. It is important for physicians to take these therapies into account to develop a health care plan consistent with patients’ beliefs and expectations.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Pain: An Evidence-based Review

Pain is one of the most prevalent conditions for which patients seek medical attention. Additionally, the number of patients who utilize complementary and alternative medicine as a treatment of pain either in lieu of, or concurrent with, standard conventional treatments continues to grow. While research into the mechanisms, side effect profiles, and efficacies of these alternative therapies has increased in recent years, much more remains unknown and untested. Herein, we review the literature on complementary and alternative medicine for pain, with particular emphasis on evidence-based assessments pertinent to the most common alternative therapies, including acupuncture, herbal therapy, massage therapy, hypnosis, tai chi, and biofeedback.

Lemon juice as an alternative therapy in hypertension in Turkey

We aimed to learn the frequency of lemon juice usage among the hypertensive patients in a local region of northern Turkey. One hundred fifty six (72.5%) of hypertensive patients were using alternative therapy and eighty six patients (40%) were drinking lemon juice. We think that to gain success in the treatment of hypertension educating the society is important and there should be clinical studies about the effect of lemon juice on blood pressure, which is one of the most common alternative therapies in our country.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices with regard to epilepsy in rural north-west India

<b>Objectives: </b> To study the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about the causes and the treatment of epilepsy in rural North West India in the year 2000 and, again after 4 years, to study the effects of health education and regular treatment on the same parameters. <b> Materials and Methods: </b> The study was conducted twice, in 2000 and 2004. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic profile, seizure characteristics, knowledge regarding cause of epilepsy, details of alternative forms of treatment taken, and attitude towards medical treatment. <b> Results: </b> Generalized seizures were the most common (84%) type of seizure, followed by partial seizures (9.4%). The most common antiepileptic drug used was phenytoin, followed by phenobarbitone. Ayurvedic treatment was the most common alternative therapy used. Evil spirits were believed to be the cause of the disease by 26.4% of the patients in 2000, but only in 11.2% in 2004. Faith in the curative power of drugs increased from 18% in 2000 to 59% in the year 2004. Polytherapy was being resorted to by 60% of patients in 2000; this was reduced to 45.6% in 2004. <b> Conclusion: </b> Positive attitude changes over the four years from 2000 to 2004 confirm the need for effective health education that can remove misconcepts regarding disease.

Saw palmetto extract suppresses insulin-like growth factor-I signaling and induces stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation in human prostate epithelial cells.

A common alternative therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the extract from the fruit of saw palmetto (SPE). BPH is caused by nonmalignant growth of epithelial and stromal elements of the prostate. IGF action is important for prostate growth and development, and changes in the IGF system have been documented in BPH tissues. The main signaling pathways activated by the binding of IGF-I to the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) are the ERK arm of the MAPK cascade and the phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) cascade. We tested the hypothesis that SPE suppresses growth and induces apoptosis in the P69 prostate epithelial cell line by inhibiting IGF-I signaling. Treatment with 150 microg/ml SPE for 24 h decreased IGF-I-induced proliferation of P69 cells and induced cleavage of the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP), an index of apoptosis. Treatment of serum-starved P69 cells with 150 microg/ml SPE for 6 h reduced IGF-I-induced phosphorylation of Akt (assessed by Western blot) and Akt activity (assessed by an Akt kinase assay). Western blot analysis showed that SPE reduced IGF-I-induced phosphorylation of the adapter protein insulin receptor substrate-1 and decreased downstream effects of Akt activation, including increased cyclin D1 levels and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 and p70(s6k). There was no effect on IGF-I-induced phosphorylation of MAPK, IGF-IR, or Shc. Treatment of starved cells with SPE alone induced phosphorylation the proapoptotic protein JNK. SPE treatment may relieve symptoms of BPH, in part, by inhibiting specific components of the IGF-I signaling pathway and inducing JNK activation, thus mediating antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on prostate epithelia.

Use of alternative medicines by allergic patients in Turkey

BackgroundAlthough complementary and alternative medicines are frequently used in Turkey, no studies with large series have yet been published ObjectiveOur aim was to determine the prevalences of the use of various types of complementary and alternative medicines in patients with asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and chronic urticaria (CU) and the relationship between the use of these substances and patients’ social, economic and demographic characteristics MethodsAll patients completed a questionnaire about the use of complementary and alternative medicines, including herbal products, animal products, acupuncture, yoga, massage therapies, Turkish-baths, speleotherapy, and psychoreligious methods for curing their diseases ResultsThe overall use of complementary and alternative medicines was 38 %. The most common alternative therapy reatment was herbal therapy (30.5 %). The prevalence of the use of these therapies was higher in asthmatics than in patients with SAR and CU. In all patients, variables associated with the use of these therapies were older age and having asthma. Among asthmatics, the use of these therapies within the previous 12 months was higher in patients with hospitalization and acute attacks than in those without hospitalization or acute attacks. In this group important covariates in the use of complementary and alternative medicines were older age and severe disease. Approximately half of the patients and 41.2 % of asthmatics discontinued pharmacological therapy during alternative treatment or had not yet started it ConclusionBecause of the high prevalence of the use of complementary and alternative medicines and the tendency to discontinue drug therapy during these treatments, patients should be educated about the importance of pharmacological therapies

Prevalence and Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Women diagnosed with breast cancer often experience early menopause secondary to treatment effects, yet physicians may be reluctant to prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because of the potential increased risk of recurrence. To assess the burden of menopausal symptoms, HRT use, and alternative treatments in recent breast cancer survivors, a population-based, case-control study was conducted among breast cancer survivors and age-matched controls. Wisconsin women 18–69 years old with a new diagnosis of breast cancer 8–11 months prior to interview (n = 110) and control subjects randomly selected from population lists (n = 73) responded to a standardized telephone questionnaire that elicited information on menopausal symptoms, estrogen and alternative therapies (prescription medications, vitamins, herbal preparations, soy products, acupuncture, chiropractic) used to alleviate symptoms. We used multivariate logistic regression to obtain odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for symptoms of menopause, use of estrogen, and use of alternative therapies. Breast cancer survivors were 5.3 (95% CI 2.7–10.2) times more likely to experience symptoms, 25 (95% CI 8.3–100) times less likely to use estrogen, and 7.4 (95% CI 2.5–21.9) times more likely to use alternatives than controls. Soy, vitamin E, and herbal remedies were the most common alternative therapies reported by participants; use was greater in cases compared to controls. Most soy users reported increasing soy products specifically to reduce the chances of a diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer. Among cases, tamoxifen users (n = 62) reported a higher prevalence of symptoms and a higher prevalence of alternative treatments. This is the first population-based survey of menopausal symptoms and treatments that compares breast cancer cases with disease-free controls. Cases are both more likely to experience menopausal symptoms and less likely to use HRT than controls. Instead, cases treat menopausal symptoms with vitamin E and soy products, even though the safety and efficacy of these therapies are unproven. The increased use of soy products in this population has not been previously documented.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN MATERNITY CARE

Primary care physicians are confronted daily with questions from their patients about alternative medicine. When maternity care patients seek information about such therapies, careful attention must be paid to issues of safety and efficacy for both the mother and her unborn child. This article clarifies the role of alternative medicine in maternity care by looking at the definitions and history of common alternative therapies, documenting the evidence for alternative therapies in prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, and suggesting ways to incorporate alternative medicine into primary care practice.