Researchers from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have conducted a significant study on the effectiveness of acupuncture for patients suffering from refractory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The findings, published in Frontiers of Medicine in March 2024, highlight acupuncture as a promising treatment option for a condition that has long been difficult to manage.
IBS is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder that severely impacts the quality of life for many individuals. Traditional pharmacological treatments and psychological therapies often yield limited results for patients with refractory IBS, leading to a pressing need for alternative therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture in these patients.
The multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial involved a total of 170 patients, divided equally into two groups. One group received real acupuncture, while the other underwent sham acupuncture, with both groups continuing their usual treatments. Participants attended three sessions per week for a total of 12 sessions.
Study Outcomes and Findings
The primary outcome measured was the change in the IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) score from baseline to the fourth week of treatment. Data analysis revealed a substantial reduction in the total IBS-SSS score in the acupuncture group, with a decrease of 140.0 (95% CI: 126.0 to 153.9). In contrast, the sham acupuncture group experienced a decrease of only 64.4 (95% CI: 50.4 to 78.3), resulting in a significant difference of 75.6 between the two groups.
The positive effects of acupuncture persisted during a follow-up period of four weeks, illustrating its long-term benefits. Furthermore, participants noted improvements in their overall quality of life and adaptability in work and social situations, with no serious adverse events reported throughout the trial.
The findings from this study provide compelling evidence that acupuncture, when combined with usual treatment, is both effective and safe for managing refractory IBS. This research opens the door to more treatment options for clinical practice, potentially benefiting countless patients struggling with this challenging condition.
For further details, the full paper is available at [Frontiers of Medicine](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-024-1073-7).
