Effect of Acupuncture in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Main idea: Acupuncture may be more effective than PEG 4000 or pinaverium bromide for the treatment of IBS with effects lasting up to 12 weeks.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through comparisons with those of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 and pinaverium bromide.

Of 531 patients with IBS who were randomized, 519 (344 in the acupuncture group and 175 in the PEG 4000/ pinaverium bromide group) were included in the full analysis set. From baseline to 6 weeks the total IBS-Symptom Severity Score decreased by 123.51 in the acupuncture group and 94.73 in the PEG 4000/pinaverium bromide group. The between-group difference was 28.78. No participant experienced severe adverse effects.

Source NIH