Acupuncture for symptom management of rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.

摘要: We investigated the feasibility of a future acupuncture trial in symptom management rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty-five patients meeting American College Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were recruited and given 14 sessions individualised treatment for 6 weeks. Improvement symptoms was assessed using ACR 20, 50 70; disease activity score (DAS28); tender joint count; swollen morning stiffness health-related quality life Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire SF-36 at baseline after Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) also assessed. At weeks, 44%, 20%, 12% achieved 70 responses, respectively. Acupuncture produced statistically significant improvements DAS28, pain global activity, count, (SF-36) ESR. No major acupuncture-related adverse events reported. as used this pilot study safe well-tolerated. The use RA warrants further investigation.