Studying Battlefield Acupuncture for Pain Relief in Adults Hospitalized with Rhabdomyolysis

What this Trial Is About

This trial investigates the use of battlefield acupuncture for managing pain in patients admitted with exertional rhabdomyolysis. Researchers aim to compare pain levels and pain medication needs between patients who receive this acupuncture treatment and those who do not. The study is a pilot, prospective observational case series conducted at Tripler Army Medical Center without blinding of patients or providers. Patients who meet the criteria for rhabdomyolysis and choose to undergo battlefield acupuncture will receive the treatment within 12 hours of hospital admission alongside standard pain care. There is also a comparison group of patients admitted with rhabdomyolysis who decline the acupuncture treatment and receive only standard care. The study follows participants for up to 12 months to monitor pain and medication use. Participants will have their pain levels measured on a scale from 0 to 10 throughout the study period. Researchers will also track the amount of pain medication used from enrollment until the end of treatment at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include the length of hospital stay, recorded from admission to discharge over a maximum of 7 days. The study does not use randomization or blinding and involves ongoing monitoring of pain responses.

Effect of Battlefield Acupuncture on Pain Control During Inpatient Treatment of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis