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An adjunct intervention for management of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).
J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Feb;19(2):178-81
Authors: Ngai SP, Jones AY, Hui-Chan CW, Ko FW, Hui DS
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) is a noninvasive intervention that has recently been shown to alleviate dyspnea in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This case report aims to explore the role of Acu-TENS in patients diagnosed with COPD during the acute exacerbation.
STUDY DESIGN: The study design was a case report.
SETTING: The study was conducted in an inpatient setting.
SUBJECT: The subject was a 74-year-old man admitted to the hospital due to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD).
INTERVENTION: Treatment consisted of application of TENS on EX-B1 (Dingchuan) for 45 minutes.
OUTCOME MEASURES: Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and dyspnea score were measured before, immediately after, and 45 minutes after Acu-TENS intervention. Other than the physiologic measures, 10 mL of venous blood was taken from the cubital vein for assessment of β-endorphin level, white blood cell count, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level before and immediately postintervention.
RESULTS: Postintervention, improved oxygen saturation, and reduction in heart rate and dyspneic sensation were observed accompanied by a raised blood β-endorphin level but the level of white blood cell count, TNF-α, and CRP remain unchanged.
CONCLUSIONS: Application of 45 minutes Acu-TENS appeared to alleviate symptoms in a patient with AECOPD. The role of adjunctive Acu-TENS therapy during acute exacerbation warrants further investigation.
PMID: 22775329 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]