Crohn's disease is an intestinal inflammatory disease, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms. The intestinal flora disorder is closely related to the occurrence and development of Crohn's disease. Acupuncture can induce remission of Crohn's disease during mild to moderate active period, improve clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain. This study is to screen the intestinal bacteria related to abdominal pain in CD, and explore the effects of acupuncture on the intestinal flora related to abdominal pain in CD patients.
1. to screen the intestinal flora associated with CD abdominal pain. 2. to explore the effects of acupuncture and on abdominal pain and abdominal pain related intestinal flora in CD patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
64
We selected acupoints including Zhongwan (CV12) and bilateral Shangjuxu (ST37), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Gongsun (SP4), Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), Hegu (LI4), and Quchi (LI11)17 according to the World Health Organization standard. Single-use 0.30×40 mm or 0.30×25 mm acupuncture needles (Hwato, Suzhou, China) 27,28 were vertically inserted into each acupoint to 20-30 mm depth to obtain a deqi sensation (a soreness, distention, numbness or heaviness sensation). Bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Tianshu (ST25) were selected for moxibustion. Pure moxa sticks (diameter: 2.8 cm; Hanyi, Nanyang, China) were ignited and fixed on a moxibustion stand at a distance of 3-5 cm to the surface of acupoints. The temperature of skin surface at the acupoints was maintained at 43 ± 1°C and monitored with a miniature infrared thermometer (Fluke 62, Fluke Corporation, Everett, WA, USA). Acupuncture and moxibustion were concomitantly performed for 30 min.
Sham acupuncture needles (0.35×40 mm) with flat tips (Hwato, Suzhou, China) were inserted towards the same acupoints to induce slight pain but without penetrating the skin. Sham moxibustion was made by igniting the same type of moxa sticks but fixing them at a distance of 8-10 cm from the skin of acupoints to maintain the temperature at 37 ± 1°C. Sham acupuncture and moxibustion were concomitantly performed for 30 min.
Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Meridian
Shanghai, China
Abdominal pain remission rate
The abdominal pain relief rate is the ratio of the number of subjects with abdominal pain relief at the end of 12 weeks of treatment to the total number of subjects.
Time frame: Week 12
Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI)
Between-group assessment by difference in Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) at 12 weeks from baseline. The minimum value is 0 and there is no upper limit. 0-150: disease in remission; 151-220: mild active disease; 221-450: moderate active disease; values above 450: severe active disease. Higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Time frame: Week 12
Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)
Difference in Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) scores from baseline at 12 weeks was used for between-group assessment. The minimum score is 0, and the maximum score is 21. Higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Time frame: Week 12
Inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ)
Differences in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) scores from baseline at 12 weeks were used for between-group assessment. The minimum score is 32, and the maximum score is 224. Higher scores mean a better outcome.
Time frame: Week 12
Safety evaluation (number of participants with abnormal routine blood tests)
Routine blood tests, which mainly include the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets per litre of blood.
Time frame: Week 12
Safety evaluation (number of participants with abnormal Liver function tests)
Liver function tests, mainly including peripheral blood concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (U/L), glutamine aminotransferase (U/L), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (U/L), alkaline phosphatase (U/L), total bilirubin (μmol/L), direct bilirubin (μmol/L), indirect bilirubin (μmol/L), total protein (g/L), albumin (g/L) and globulin (g/L).
Time frame: Week 12
Safety evaluation (number of participants with abnormal Renal function tests)
Renal function tests, mainly including tests of creatinine (μmol/L) and urea nitrogen (mmol/L) concentrations in peripheral blood.
Time frame: Week 12
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.