Acupuncture In The Management Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Adolescents: A Pilot Study
ABSTRACT
Background Chronic fatigue syndrome consists of disabling fatigue accompanied by a combination of musculoskeletal symptoms and sleep disorders. There is currently no specific diagnostic test or therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of integrating acupuncture as a complementary therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Design, Setting, and Patients All patients (7 females, 1 male; age range, 11-18 years) studied were referred by the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Clinic at the Children's Hospital Boston and had the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Symptoms were recorded at the beginning of the round of treatments and again at each follow-up visit by an assistant (not an acupuncture provider).
Intervention Each pediatric patient received acupuncture once a week for 6 weeks at points including Hua Tuo Jia Ji, BL 18, BL 20, BL 23, and SP 6.
Main Outcome MeasuresVisual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain (0-10) and functional level (0-10). Patients also reported changes in sleep, ability to return to school and any adverse effects.
Results The mean (SD) VAS score for pain was 6.5 (1.9) at the initial evaluation and 5.8 (1.9) after the 6th treatment (P>.50). The functional level was improved from 4.5 (1.4) to 7.0 (1.5) (P<.01). The patients reported that initially they felt tired and relaxed. They reported falling asleep quicker the 1st night after treatment and feeling more energetic following treatment. All patients were able to return to school after their initial series of 6 acupuncture treatments. There were no reported cases of orthostatic hypotension during the study periods. All the patients and their families were satisfied with the results of the acupuncture treatments. No side effects or complications related to the acupuncture services were reported.
Conclusions Though the baseline pain score for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome did not change significantly, the functional level of the patients improved. Patients displayed improvement in energy levels and sleep. The duration of the reported effectiveness of the acupuncture treatments was lengthened as the treatments progressed. Thus, acupuncture can be a useful tool for the management of chronic fatigue syndrome.
KEY WORDS
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Acupuncture, Pediatric, Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
