This study "shows a significantly lower amount of gonadotropins
used when IVF is combined with standard acupuncture. A 70% pregnancy
rate was also achieved with standard acupuncture and IVF, compared to
25%. Larger prospective trials are necessary. "
A Randomized Study Evaluating Acupuncture
as an Adjunct to IVF
Rodolfo Quintero, M.D., Wendy Yu, L.Ac., Brandon Horn, L.Ac., J.D.,
Daoshing Ni, D.O.M., Barry Schifrin, MD., Brian Acacio, M.D.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Glendale Adventist Medical
Center (GAMC) and the Eastern Center for Complementary Medicine,
Glendale, CA
Background and Significance: Acupuncture is based on patterns of energy
flow (Qi) through a network of meridians. Maintenance of Qi is essential for
health, while blockage may provoke disease. Acupuncture works by
unblocking the various types of stagnation that can occur along these
channels. After Paulus et. al demonstrated the benefit of acupuncture to IVF
(Fertil Steril Apr 2002), many IVF centers began offering these services.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are benefits of
standard acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF.
Materials and Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over
pilot trial was performed using a needle-like device (sham acupuncture) as a
control. Approval from GAMC’s Investigational Review Board was acquired.
Inclusion criteria were women aged 18 to 42 years with a history of failed IVF
cycle(s); day 3 FSH ≤20 IU/ml; the presence of both ovaries; and a normal
uterine cavity. Exclusion criteria was Kruger morphology <4>
Results: Seventeen subjects were enrolled and seven subjects completed
both arms of the study. The mean age was 36.2 years (range 28-41 years).
The mean Day 3 FSH=6.8 IU (range 3-13 IU). There were four ongoing
pregnancies after the first cycle, equally distributed. Seven subjects were
crossed over after the first cycle. Of these, four from the standard
acupuncture group and one from the sham acupuncture group attained
pregnancy. Two subjects of the standard acupuncture group were on-going
pregnancies and one from the sham group. Only the sham group had two IVF
cancellations. An unpaired Mann-Whitney Test using a two-sided p value was
performed.
Conclusions:Our study shows a significantly lower amount of gonadotropins
used when IVF is combined with standard acupuncture. A 70% pregnancy
rate was also achieved with standard acupuncture and IVF, compared to
25%. Larger prospective trials are necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment