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Efficacy of Electroacupuncture in NMOSD Patients With Pain: Study Protocol

Efficacy of Electroacupuncture in NMOSD Patients With Pain: Study Protocol

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05871658
Enrollment
20
Registered
2023-05-23
Start date
2022-03-21
Completion date
2023-02-21
Last updated
2023-05-23

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders, Pain

Brief summary

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain is a common complication in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), which seriously affects the quality of life of NMOSD patients, with no satisfactory treatment. Through the previous literature study and clinical observation, we found that acupuncture has good curative effect in the treatment of pain, especially electric acupuncture, but thestudies on acupuncture intervention in pain of NMOSD are still scare. Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture on NMOSD patients with pain. Materials and Methods In this exploratory randomized controlled study, NMOSD patients with pain were recruited from March 21, 2022 to February 21, 2023. Patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the electroacupuncture group (experimental group) and the sham electroacupuncture group (control group) by simple random method (envelope method) according to the inclusion order. Totally, there are 20 patients enrolled. The experimental group received electroacupuncture therapy and the control group received sham electroacupuncture therapy. A total of 8 sessions were given twice a week for 30 minutes each. On the baseline, demographic information, medication history, specimens of routine blood, blood biochemistry, liver function, IL - 6, TNF-α were collected, the brain, cervical and thoracic MRI were perfected and collected, patients filled in the SF - MPQ, NRS, SF - 36, SAS, SDS, EDSS. After the treatment, specimens of routine blood, blood biochemistry, liver function, IL - 6, TNF-α were collected again, patients filled in the SF - MPQ, NRS, SF - 36, SAS, SD, EDSS. The main outcome indicators were SF-MPQ, and the secondary outcome indicators were EDSS, NRS, SAS, SDS, SF-36, IL-6, and TNF-α. Conclusion This is the first exploratory randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture on pain in patients with NMOSD. The study will provide clincial evidence of the practice of electroacupuncture on NMOSD with pain. Key Words neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders; pain; electroacupuncture

Interventions

BEHAVIORALelectroacupuncture

electroacupuncture were inserted into bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4) and Quchi (LI11), and Yintang (EX-HN3). Electroacupuncture parameters selected the sparse wave, the frequency was 4 Hz, the stimulation intensity was tolerated by the patient.

Sponsors

Yuanqi Zhao,MD
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Intervention model description

the electroacupuncture group (experimental group) and the sham electroacupuncture group (control group)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. people diagnosed as NMOSD according to the International Panel for NMO Diagnosis (IPND) criteria.\[21\] 2. NRS≥4. 3. people were treated with stable doses of biological therapy and/or prednisone, with no regimen adjustment within 30 days prior to enrollment. 4. people did not adjust any standard pain medication combinations, including antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, and opioids, within 30 days before enrollment. 5. people or their families provided written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

1. people enrolled in other clinical studies. 2. people with low cognitive or mental ability. 3. people who became pregnant during the study period, breastfed, or planned to become pregnant. 4. people with serious diseases related to the heart, liver, kidney or hematopoietic system. 5. people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Short-Form of McGill Pain Questionnaire(SF - MPQ)on the baselinehigher scores mean a worse outcome.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
numerical rating scale(NRS)on the baselinehigher scores mean a worse outcome.
Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS)on the baselinehigher scores mean a worse outcome.
Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS)on the baselinehigher scores mean a worse outcome.
Expanded Disability Status Scale(EDSS)on the baselinehigher scores mean a worse outcome.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)on the baselinehigher scores mean a worse outcome.
tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)on the baselinehigher scores mean a worse outcome.
36-item Short-Form (SF-36)on the baselinehigher scores mean a better outcome.

Countries

China

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026