Status:

COMPLETED

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Lead Sponsor:

Chinese University of Hong Kong

Conditions:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Eligibility:

All Genders

18+ years

Phase:

PHASE2

Brief Summary

To study the efficacy of acupuncture used as an adjunct measure for patients with refractory RA

Detailed Description

The study employs a randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture, traditional Chinese acupuncture and sham acupuncture in patients with ...

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

  • Fulfilled The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)\[10\] criteria of RA
  • Active disease affecting the hands and wrists defined as having at least 4 tender joints and 2 swollen joints
  • Early morning stiffness of greater than 45 minutes
  • ESR \> 28 mmHg or CRP \> 10
  • Patients taking disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were eligible if they were on a stable dose for at least 3 months before screening.
  • Patients on stable doses of one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or up to 10 mg daily prednisone were also included.

Exclusion

  • Under the age of 18 years
  • Pregnancy
  • Previously had acupuncture
  • Localized skin infections
  • Anticoagulated
  • Bleeding diathesis
  • Intra-articular corticosteroid within 4 weeks preceding the study
  • Any severe chronic or uncontrolled co-morbid disease
  • Fear of needles

Key Trial Info

Start Date :

December 1 2004

Trial Type :

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation :

ACTUAL

End Date :

January 1 2006

Estimated Enrollment :

36 Patients enrolled

Trial Details

Trial ID

NCT00404443

Start Date

December 1 2004

End Date

January 1 2006

Last Update

May 9 2008

Active Locations (1)

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Page 1 of 1 (1 locations)

1

The Institute of Chinese Medicine

Hong Kong, China