Rédacteurs : Johan Nguyen, Claude Pernice
Sommaire
cardiac arrhythmias:
Troubles du rythme : évaluation de l'acupuncture
| Articles connexes: - conduites thérapeutiques - pathologies - qigong - acupuncture expérimentale - |
1. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
| ☆☆☆ | Evidence for effectiveness and a specific effect of acupuncture |
| ☆☆ | Evidence for effectiveness of acupuncture |
| ☆ | Limited evidence for effectiveness of acupuncture |
| Ø | No evidence or insufficient evidence |
1.1. Generic acupuncture
1.1.1. Liu 2024 (atrial fibrillation)
Liu Y, Pang X, Wang Y, Liu X, Jiang H. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture assisted treatment for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Nov 29;103(48):e40474. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000040474
| Backgound | To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). |
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| Methods | Eight databases were searched. The search time limit is from January 2000 to November 2023. All randomized controlled trials on acupuncture treatment of AF were included. After the literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out independently according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the included literature was analyzed by Meta using RevMan 5.4 software. |
| Results | A total of 15 research studies on randomized controlled trials were included, involving 1960 patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that acupuncture therapy could increase the sinus cardioversion rate of patients with AF, and the difference was statistically significant (relative risk = 1.21, 25% confidence interval (CI) [1.11, 1.31], P < .001). The clinically effective rate of the acupuncture plus drug treatment group was higher than that of the drug treatment group (relative risk = 1.32, 95% CI [1.19, 1.46], P < .01). Acupuncture plus other conventional therapies treatment was more helpful in reducing the ventricular rate of patients with AF (mean difference = -7.89, 95% CI [-14.52, -1.26], P = .006). The cardioversion time of patients with AF treated with acupuncture plus conventional therapies was shorter than those treated with traditional therapies alone (standardized mean difference = -1.82, 95% CI [-3.28, -0.35], P = .01). No severe adverse reactions such as hemorrhage, hematoma, or local infection caused by acupuncture were reported in the study. |
| Conclusion | The available evidence shows that acupuncture can effectively improve the total clinical effective rate and sinus rhythm recovery rate, shorten the recovery time of sinus rhythm, and reduce the ventricular rate, and there are no apparent adverse reactions. However, a limited number of studies may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future studies should include more extensive and diverse studies to enhance the power and generalizability of the findings. |
1.1.2. Cai 2022 (premature ventricular complexes)
Cai Y, Zhang CS, Liu S, Zhou L, Tang B, Chen W. Acupuncture for premature ventricular complexes without ischemic or structural heart diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and pre-clinical evidence. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Dec 8;9:1019051. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.1019051
| Background | With increasing evidence suggesting potential benefits, acupuncture is often applied to the treatment of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), particularly in symptomatic patients who fail or are unsuitable for medications or refuse catheter ablation. However, the existing clinical evidence is inconsistent. |
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| Objectives | This review aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapies for PVCs without ischemic or structural heart diseases, when it is compared with sham/placebo acupuncture or usual care, or used as an add-on therapy to routine care; and to summarize existing pre-clinical research evidence supporting the effects of acupuncture therapies for this clinical condition. |
| Methods | Four English-language databases, four Chinese-language databases and seven clinical registries were searched from their inceptions to May 21, 2021 and updated to November 01, 2022. Trials comparing acupuncture with sham acupuncture or evaluating the add-on effects of acupuncture were included. Primary outcomes are the number of premature ventricular beats (PVBs) and effective rate defined as “the proportion of participants with over 50% decrease in the number of PVBs from baseline to the end of treatment measured by 24-h Holter”. |
| Results | A total of 479 records were identified with nine trials involving 847 participants included in this review. Meta-analysis on two sham-control trials with low risk of bias for all domains suggested that acupuncture could significantly reduce the number of PVBs (RR 3.83, 95% CI [2.19, 6.7], I 2 = 0%). Moreover, the combination of acupuncture and standard treatment was superior to standard treatment alone in reducing the burden of PVBs (RR 1.21, 95% CI [1.08, 1.36], I 2 = 0%). Though no treatment protocol consensus was announced, body acupuncture on point PC6, HT7, DU10, DU11, and ST36 with duration of needle retention ranging from 15 to 30 min for a 4-week treatment period is broadly used by the included trials. For experimental evidence, five studies explored the mechanisms of acupuncture for PVCs were eventually included into analysis and PC6 was the most frequently studied acupuncture point. Moreover, a reduction of electrical activity of sympathetic nerves in experimental animals undergoing electro-acupuncture was observed by four of these studies. |
| Conclusion | Sham-controlled RCT evidence with moderate-level certainty suggested that acupuncture could be a therapeutic option to reduce the burden of PVBs in patients without ischemic or structural heart diseases. Further clinical studies using validated and reliable outcome measurement instruments and bench research to unveil the mechanisms of acupuncture stimulation and point-specific effects for PVCs are needed. |
1.1.3. Li 2022 (atrial fibrillation) ☆☆
Li Y, Song J, Wu B, Wang X, Han L, Han Z. Acupuncture versus pharmacological conversation in treatment of atrial fibrillation in a randomized controlled trial: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Med Res. 2022 Jul 4;27(1):110. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-022-00738-4
| Objective | This study aimed to investigate the effect of conventional drugs combined with acupuncture therapy on the conversion of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. |
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| Methods | We searched databases, such as PubMed, Embase, WOS, Cochrane, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wan fang Data, VIP, and CBM to collect data in randomized controlled trials of acupuncture included patients with atrial fibrillation. Publication time was limited from the beginning to May 15, 2021. The primary outcome is the number of participants who converted successfully. |
| Results | A total of 11 papers were included in this study. The combined effect indicated that acupuncture significantly effectively benefitted the patients with atrial fibrillation (RR = 1.208, 95% CI 1.123, 1.298, P < 0.001). Further subgroup analysis of persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and the timing of acupuncture suggested that the addition of acupuncture was not statistically significant in the treatment of persistent AF compared to the control group (RR = 1.147, 95% CI 0.811, 1.623 P = 0.147). The combination of acupuncture was more effective in paroxysmal AF RR = 1.148 (95% CI 1.064, 1.239) P < 0.001. In addition, when the acupuncture time was limited to 20 min, it had the best treatment effect (RR = 1.510, 95% CI 1.25, 1.82). |
| Conclusions | The combination of pharmacological resuscitation with acupuncture significantly improved the conversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation compared to pharmacological resuscitation only. The most significant benefit was achieved with an acupuncture duration of < 20 min. Thus, the combination of acupuncture could be considered in clinical practice for the resuscitation of patients with atrial fibrillation. |
1.1.4. Fei 2019 (Atrial Fibrillation) ☆☆
Fei Y, Fei R, Zhang J, Sun Y, Yu Q. Systematic Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Treatment for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019;7(3):461-466. [194679].
| Background | Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of arrhythmia diagnosed in clinical practice. Due to its negative effects on people's physical and mental health, it is necessary to prevent and treat AF. Recently, scholars have found that acupuncture can be used to treat AF, but some scholars have questioned its therapeutic efficacy. AIM: Therefore, this study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for AF patients. |
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| Methods | Previously published research articles were retrieved from six databases, and the data was analysed using RevMan5.3 software with a statistically significant difference defined as P < 0.05. |
| Results | A total of 8 relevant kinds of literature were retrieved containing 633 AF patients (323 in the treatment group and 310 in the control group). Acupuncture treatment increased the total efficacy and the rate of AF cardioversion to sinus rhythm (RR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.53 vs RR: 1.40;95% CI: 1.16 to 1.69; each P < 0.05), and decreased the time of AF cardioversion to sinus rhythm, the heart rate and incidence of adverse effects (RR: -3.95; 95% CI: -4.98 to -2.91 vs RR: -14.54; 95% CI: -24.09 to -5.00 vs RR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.11, each P < 0.05). There was difference between retention time more and less than 30 minutes (I2 = 74.9%, P = 0.05). The funnel plot displayed a symmetrical and funnel-form shape, indicating low bias. |
| Conclusion | Acupuncture has a good therapeutic effect and safety profile on patients with AF, and its application in clinical practice should be considered. |
1.1.5. Liu 2018
Liu Jing, Li Si-Nai, Liu Lu, Zhou Kun, Li Yan, Cui Xiao-Yun, Wan Jie, Lu Jin-Jin, Huang Yan-Chao, Wang Xu-Sheng, Lin Qian. Conventional Acupuncture for Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2018;24(3):218-226. [201781].
| Objective | To exam the effect and safety of conventional acupuncture(CA) on cardiac arrhythmia. |
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| Methods | Nine medical databases were searched until February 2016 for randomized controlled trials. Heterogeneity was measured by Cochran Q test. Meta-analysis was conducted if I2 was less than 85% and the characteristics of included trials were similar. |
| Results | Nine qualified studies involving 638 patients were included. Only 1 study had definitely low risk of bias, while 7 trials were rated as unclear and 1 as high. Meta-analysis of CA alone did not have a significant benefit on response rate compared to amiodarone in patients with atrial fibrillation(Af) and atrial flutter(AF) [relative risk(RR):1.09;95% confidence interval(CI):0.79–1.49;P=0.61;I2=61%,P=0.11].However,1 study with higher methodological quality detected a lower recurrence rate of Af in CA alone as compared with sham acupuncture plus no treatment, and benefits on ventricular rate and time of conversion to normal sinus rhythm were found in CA alone group by 1 study, as well as the response rate in CA plus deslanoside group by another study. Meta-analysis of CA plus anti-arrhythmia drug(AAD) was associated with a significant benefit on the response rate when compared with AAD alone in ventricular premature beat(VPB) patients(RR,1.19,95% CI:1.05–1.34;P=0.005;I2=13%,P=0.32),and an improvement in quality-of-life score(QOLS) of VPB also showed in 1 individual study. Besides, a lower heart rate was detected in the CA alone group by 1 individual study when compared with no treatment in sinus tachycardia patients(MD –21.84 [–27.21,–16.47]) and lower adverse events of CA alone were reported than amiodarone. |
| Conclusions | CA may be a useful and safe alternative or additive approach to AADs for cardiac arrhythmia, especially in VPB and Af patients, which mainly based on a pooled estimate and result from 1 study with higher methodological quality. However, we could not reach a robust conclusion due to low quality of overall evidence. |
1.1.6. Li 2017 ☆☆
Li Y, Barajas-Martinez H, Li B, Gao Y, Zhang Z, Shang H, Xing Y, Hu D. Comparative Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Antiarrhythmic Drugs for the Prevention of Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Physiol. 2017. [195683].
| Introduction and objectives | This study was designed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for arrhythmia compared to existing drug therapy. |
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| Methods | Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through searches of the MEDLINE, CNKI, Embase, and Cochrane databases (1970 through 2016) and hand searches of cross-references from original articles and reviews. Clinical trials that randomized arrhythmia patients to acupuncture therapy vs. Conventional drugs, sham acupuncture, or bed rest were included for analysis. |
| Results | A total of 13 trials with 797 patients met the criteria for analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and conventional treatment for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) (n = 203; RR, 1.18; 95% CI 0.78-1.79; I2 = 80%; P = 0.44). However, in the ventricular premature beat (VPB) group, it showed a significant benefit of acupuncture plus oral administration of anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) on response rates compared with the oral administration of AAD (n = 286; RR, 1.15; 95% CI 1.05-1.27; I2 = 0%; P = 0.002). Finally, when compared with the sinus tachycardia (ST) cases without any treatment, acupuncture has benefited these patients (n = 120; MD, 18.80, 95% CI 12.68-24.92; I2 = 81%; P < 0.00001). |
| Conclusions | In summary, our meta-analysis demonstrates that clinical efficacy of acupuncture is not less than AAD for PSVT. Furthermore, in sub-group analysis, acupuncture with or without AAD, shows a clear benefit in treating VPB and ST. However, more definitive RCTs are warranted to guide clinical practice. |
1.1.7. Chung 2014 (heart rate variability) ☆
Chung JW, Yan VC, Zhang H. Effect of acupuncture on heart rate variability: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014. [170065].
| Aim | To summarize all relevant trials and critically evaluate the effect of acupuncture on heart rate variability (HRV). |
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| Method | This was a systematic review with meta-analysis. Keyword search was conducted in 7 databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data extraction and risk of bias were done. |
| Results | Fourteen included studies showed a decreasing effect of acupuncture on low frequency (LF) and low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio) of HRV for nonhealthy subjects and on normalized low frequency (LF norm) for healthy subjects. The overall effect was in favour of the sham/control group for high frequency (HF) in nonhealthy subjects and for normalized high frequency (HF norm) in healthy subjects. Significant decreasing effect on HF and LF/HF ratio of HRV when acupuncture was performed on ST36 among healthy subjects and PC6 among both healthy and nonhealthy subjects, respectively. |
| Discussion | This study partially supports the possible effect of acupuncture in modulating the LF of HRV in both healthy and nonhealthy subjects, while previous review reported that acupuncture did not have any convincing effect on HRV in healthy subjects. More published work is needed in this area to determine if HRV can be an indicator of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. |
1.1.8. Wen 2014 (supraventricular tachycardia)
Wen Wx, Li Xs, Guo Xf, Zhou L, Lv Wh. [Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for supraventricular tachycardia: a systematic review and meta-analysis]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014;34(11):1146-50. [170457].
| Objective | The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia were systematically reviewed. |
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| Methods | The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture for supraventricular tachycardia were searched in domestic and overseas databases, and the evaluation tool of bias risk in Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 software was used to perform the evaluation of bias risk in literature, and RevMan 5.2 software was applied for statistics and Meta-analysis. |
| Results | Five RCTs involving 323 patients were included. The results showed that compared with the blank control group, the acupuncture reduced the heart rate by 18.8 times/min [95% CI (12.68, 24.92)]; the clinical effective rate in the acupuncture group was superior to that in the diltiazem group [OR= 3.11, 95% CI (1.50, 6.46)]; the difference of immediate effect between propafenone and acupuncture was not significant. No reports regarding adverse events was described in 5 RCTs. |
| Conclusions | As was shown in the present evidence, acupuncture is safe and effective for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia, but the level of evidence was low and the intensity of conclusion needed to be improved. |
1.1.9. Kim 2011 (arrhythmias) Ø
Kim TH, Choi TY, Lee MS, Ernst E. Acupuncture treatment for cardiac arrhythmias: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Int J Cardiol. 2011;149(2):263-5. [156209].
In conclusion, the result of this systematic review does not provide conclusive evidence in support of acupuncture treatment for cardiac arrhythmias. RCT with methodological rigor should be promoted, along with the adoption of validated outcomes.
1.1.10. Lee 2010 (heart rate variability)
Lee S et al. Acupuncture and heart rate variability: A systematic review. Auton Neurosci. 2010;155(1-2):5-13. [155313].
| Objectifs | Acupuncture has been reported to affect the autonomic system. Currently, there are no systematic reviews examining the effect of acupuncture on HRV available in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize and critically assess the effects of acupuncture on heart rate variability. |
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| Méthodes | We searched the literature using 14 databases for articles published from the earliest available publications until October 2009 without language restrictions. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture and sham acupuncture. The risk of bias in each study was assessed using the Cochrane criteria. |
| Résultats | Twelve RCTs met all of the inclusion criteria. One RCT evaluated the effects of acupuncture in patients with minor depression or anxiety disorders and another RCT examined the effect of acupuncture on migraine patients. Another four RCTs tested the effects of acupuncture in healthy subjects who were exposed to several conditions, including mental stress, fatigue from driving, and caffeine intake. The remaining six RCTs assessed the effects of acupuncture on healthy subjects in a normal state without any stressors. Five RCTs found significant differences in HRV between patients treated with acupuncture versus those treated with sham acupuncture (controls). However, the majority of the other RCTs showed inconsistent results or did not identify significant differences in HRV spectral parameters among individuals treated with acupuncture as compared to those treated with sham acupuncture. |
| Conclusions | In conclusion, sham-controlled RCTs showed variable results and no clear evidence that acupuncture has any specific effects on HRV. Therefore, more rigorous research appears to be warranted. |
1.2. Special Acupuncture Techniques
1.2.1. Combined with oral Chinese medicine
1.2.1.1. Ning 2023
Ning S, Yan L, Li Y, Cui Z, Wang Y, Shi J, Zhao Y. Efficacy of acupuncture combined with oral Chinese medicine in the treatment of arrhythmia: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Mar 24;102(12):e33174. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000033174.
| Background | At present, Western medicine treatment methods for arrhythmia emerge in an endless stream, but the accompanying side effects are also exposed, which brings pressure on medical resources and social economy. In recent years, the advantages of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the control of arrhythmia have become increasingly prominent. Neiguan (PC6) is the collateral point in pericardium meridian; acupuncture at Neiguan can nourish the heart and calm the mind, and also plays an important role in treating arrhythmias. There is currently a lack of evidence-based medical evidence for the combination of acupuncture and TCM in the treatment of arrhythmia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupuncture combined with oral TCM in the treatment of arrhythmia. |
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| Methods | Randomized controlled trials published from the inception of databases to June 2022 were reviewed by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang databases. Review Manager 5.4.1 was used for the meta-analysis after the reviewers scanned the literature, extracted information, and identified the risk of bias. |
| Results | Eleven randomized controlled trials with 804 patients were reviewed, including 402 and 402 patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The results of the meta-analysis showed a significant benefit of acupuncture plus oral TCM in terms of clinical effectiveness compared with oral TCM alone (n = 696; relative risk (RR), 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14 to 1.30; P < .00001) and in lowering the number of premature beats in 24 hours (n = 374; standard mean difference, -10,55; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -14.61 to -6.49; P < .00001). Acupuncture plus oral TCM was also found to improve the conversion rate (n = 168; RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14-1.52; P = .0002) and increase the left ventricular ejection fraction (n = 250; mean difference, 6.57; 95% CI, 4.11-9.04; P < .00001), but it had no significant increase in adverse events (n = 262; RR, 0.57; 95% CI 0.30-1.09; P = .09). |
| Conclusion | Compared with oral TCM alone, acupuncture combined with oral TCM showed a clear benefit in treating arrhythmias and had no increase in adverse events. |
1.2.2. Auricular acupuncture
1.2.2.1. Hua 2023 (heart rate and heart rate variability)
Hua K, Cummings M, Bernatik M, Brinkhaus B, Usichenko T, Dietzel J. Cardiovascular effects of auricular stimulation -a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Front Neurosci. 2023 Sep 1;17:1227858. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1227858
| Background | The number of randomized controlled trials using auricular stimulation (AS) such as transauricular vagus nerve stimulation, or other auricular electrostimulation or auricular acupuncture or acupressure, in experimental and clinical settings, has increased markedly over the last three decades. This systematic review focusses on cardiovascular effects of auricular stimulation. |
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| Methods and analysis | The following databases were searched: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ISI Web of Science, and Scopus Database. RCTs were reviewed that had been published in English and European languages. Data collection and analysis was conducted by two reviewers independently. Quality and risk assessment of included studies was performed and the meta-analysis of the effect of the most frequently assessed biomarkers. |
| Results | Altogether, 78 trials were included. 38 studies assessed heart rate (HR), 19 studies analyzed heart rate variability (HRV), 31 studies analyzed blood pressure (BP) and 7 studies were identified that measured oxygen saturation (O2), 2 studies on baroreflex sensitivity and 2 studies on skin conductance were evaluated in this review. 26 studies contained continuous data and were eligible for meta-analysis, 50 trials reported non continuous data and were evaluated descriptively. The overall quality of the studies was moderate to low. AS leads to a significant reduction of HR, the changes though were not considered an adverse reaction. Furthermore, when looking at HRV, AS was able to reduce the LF/HF ratio significantly compared to control procedures. No other cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, baroreflex sensitivity) were changed significantly. AS produced only minor side effects in all trials. |
| Conclusion | AS can lead to clinically safe reduction of HR and changes in the LF/HF ratio of the HRV, which is presumably via an increase in vagal activity. More research is needed to clarify whether AS can be used to modulate tachycardia or indications with autonomic imbalance. |
