Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews
Abstract Acupuncture is increasingly used worldwide. It is becoming more accepted by both patients and healthcare providers. However, the current understanding of its adverse events (AEs) is fragmented. We conducted this overview to collect all systematic reviews (SRs) on the AEs of acupuncture and...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2017-06-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03272-0 |
| _version_ | 1818431467372412928 |
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| author | Malcolm W. C. Chan Xin Yin Wu Justin C. Y. Wu Samuel Y. S. Wong Vincent C. H. Chung |
| author_facet | Malcolm W. C. Chan Xin Yin Wu Justin C. Y. Wu Samuel Y. S. Wong Vincent C. H. Chung |
| author_sort | Malcolm W. C. Chan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Acupuncture is increasingly used worldwide. It is becoming more accepted by both patients and healthcare providers. However, the current understanding of its adverse events (AEs) is fragmented. We conducted this overview to collect all systematic reviews (SRs) on the AEs of acupuncture and related therapies. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to December 2015. Methodological quality of included reviews was assessed with a validated instrument. Evidence was narratively reported. Seventeen SRs covering various types of acupuncture were included. Methodological quality of the reviews was overall mediocre. Four major categories of AEs were identified, which are organ or tissue injuries (13 reviews, median: 36 cases, median deaths: 4), infections (11 reviews, median: 17 cases, median deaths: 0.5), local AEs or reactions (12 reviews, median: 8.5 cases, no deaths were reported), and other complications such as dizziness or syncope (11 reviews, median: 21 cases, no deaths were reported). Minor and serious AEs can occur during the use of acupuncture and related modalities, contrary to the common impression that acupuncture is harmless. Serious AEs are rare, but need significant attention as mortality can be associated with them. Referrals should consider acupuncturists’ training credibility, and patient safety should be a core part of acupuncture education. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-14T15:49:46Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-90a501975ed34553943823d032ee5aa8 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-14T15:49:46Z |
| publishDate | 2017-06-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj.art-90a501975ed34553943823d032ee5aa82022-12-21T22:55:24ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222017-06-017111110.1038/s41598-017-03272-0Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic ReviewsMalcolm W. C. Chan0Xin Yin Wu1Justin C. Y. Wu2Samuel Y. S. Wong3Vincent C. H. Chung4Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong KongJockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong KongAbstract Acupuncture is increasingly used worldwide. It is becoming more accepted by both patients and healthcare providers. However, the current understanding of its adverse events (AEs) is fragmented. We conducted this overview to collect all systematic reviews (SRs) on the AEs of acupuncture and related therapies. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to December 2015. Methodological quality of included reviews was assessed with a validated instrument. Evidence was narratively reported. Seventeen SRs covering various types of acupuncture were included. Methodological quality of the reviews was overall mediocre. Four major categories of AEs were identified, which are organ or tissue injuries (13 reviews, median: 36 cases, median deaths: 4), infections (11 reviews, median: 17 cases, median deaths: 0.5), local AEs or reactions (12 reviews, median: 8.5 cases, no deaths were reported), and other complications such as dizziness or syncope (11 reviews, median: 21 cases, no deaths were reported). Minor and serious AEs can occur during the use of acupuncture and related modalities, contrary to the common impression that acupuncture is harmless. Serious AEs are rare, but need significant attention as mortality can be associated with them. Referrals should consider acupuncturists’ training credibility, and patient safety should be a core part of acupuncture education.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03272-0 |
| spellingShingle | Malcolm W. C. Chan Xin Yin Wu Justin C. Y. Wu Samuel Y. S. Wong Vincent C. H. Chung Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews Scientific Reports |
| title | Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews |
| title_full | Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews |
| title_fullStr | Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews |
| title_full_unstemmed | Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews |
| title_short | Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews |
| title_sort | safety of acupuncture overview of systematic reviews |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03272-0 |
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