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Premenstrual SyndromeNCT03881319

The Efficacy of Different Doses of Acupuncture in Dysmenorrhea

A study testing Conventional gynecologic treatment, Low dose acupuncture and High dose acupuncture in people with Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea, run by Taipei City Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

Unknown status

Status not confirmed. The sponsor has not verified this record for over two years, so it may be out of date.

Official record
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Trial summary

Subjects in this study included premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the sum of a group of symptoms (including physical and psychological symptoms) that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 19 to 49 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea
What is being tested?
Conventional gynecologic treatment, Low dose acupuncture and High dose acupuncture
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
105 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
1 Jun 2018to 31 Dec 2019
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 19 to 49 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Women within reproductive age (15 to 49 years)
  • VAS≧4
  • Women with a history of regular menstrual cycles (28days±7 days)
  • Self-reported lower abdominal and pelvic, medial anterior thigh pain or low back pain associated with the onset of menses and lasting in 72 hours.
  • 4.Symptoms: dysmenorrhagia, breast pain, dizziness, bloating, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, etc.

Who cannot join

  • Women with irregular menstrual cycles
  • Women use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD/IUD)
  • Women with uncontrolled neurological diseases
  • Lactation, pregnant women, or those with plans to get pregnant in the coming half year

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Taiwan1 site
  • Taipei City H

    Taipei

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: The Study of Efficacy and Effect of Different Dose Acupuncture on Autonomic Nervous Activity and Quality of Life in Women With Dysmenorrhea

Subjects in this study included premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the sum of a group of symptoms (including physical and psychological symptoms) that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Dysmenorrhea is a sort of period pelvic pain, caused by blood flow decrease abruptly and ischemia due to frequent contraction of the uterus.

Read more

In clinical practice, gynecologists apply analgesic such as Non-steroidal Anti- inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and oral contraceptive pills (OCT) or progestin as conventional therapy for premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. As NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, dyspepsia while hormone therapy leads to other concerns; some women now adopt acupuncture as an alternative therapy for its safety. However, many parameters affect the efficacy of acupuncture, such as the sorts of acupoints (of which meridians) or the numbers of acupoints; and proper evidence-based medicine on this issue is few.

Therefore, in this study, we aim to evaluate 1. The different impact of acupuncture and conventional therapy in premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea women ; 2. Will the character (of which meridians) or numbers of acupoints be affecting factors of efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea? 3. Shall there be any relationship between the acupuncture and autonomic nerve activity adjustment in premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea? 4. Shall there be any relationship between the acupuncture and TCM syndrome adjustment in premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea?

Read the detailed description

Subjects in this study included premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the sum of a group of symptoms (including physical and psychological symptoms) that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Women who have such symptoms have been estimated as high as 75%; of which 3% to 8% are severe symptoms, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (premenstrual dysphoric syndrome, PMDD). The two groups are very similar. Premenstrual syndrome is mostly for physical discomfort, while premenstrual dysphoric syndrome is for emotional problems, affecting women's sleep seriously.

Dysmenorrhea is a sort of period pelvic pain, caused by blood flow decrease abruptly and ischemia due to frequent contraction of the uterus. Many females afflicted with dysmenorrhea to different extents; some suffered from depression, reduced the quality of life; others even need to withdraw from work or school for incapable of daily activity. Thus, dysmenorrhea causes a lot of health burden and worth our attention. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea is up to 50 %. Generally speaking, primary dysmenorrhea is a menstrual pain in the absence of pelvic pathology while secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by organic dysfunction such as endometriosis, uterus malformation, cervix structure, pelvic inflammation, etc.

In clinical practice, gynecologists apply analgesic such as Non-steroidal Anti- inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and oral contraceptive pills (OCT) or progestin as conventional therapy for premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. As NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, dyspepsia while hormone therapy leads to other concerns; some women now adopt acupuncture as an alternative therapy for its safety. However, many parameters affect the efficacy of acupuncture, such as the sorts of acupoints (of which meridians) or the numbers of acupoints; and proper evidence-based medicine on this issue is few. According to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture regulates meridians' energy and coordinates yin/yang while the western medicine reveals that the mechanism of pain-control of acupuncture is relevant to the theory of neurophysiology and some neuropeptide releasing, such as endorphin. Additionally, in our previous study, we noted that the theory of yin/yang (meridian) is compatible with autonomic nerve theory. Since many symptoms women with Premenstrual Syndrome and dysmenorrhea suffered, such as poor sleep, anxiety, convulsion of the uterine muscle, are related to autonomic nerve dysfunction, we are intrigued to know whether or not the effect of acupuncture relates to adjusting autonomic nerve system. Therefore, in this study, we aim to evaluate 1. The different impact of acupuncture and conventional therapy in premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea women ; 2. Will the character (of which meridians) or numbers of acupoints be affecting factors of efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea? 3. Shall there be any relationship between the acupuncture and autonomic nerve activity adjustment in premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea? 4. Shall there be any relationship between the acupuncture and TCM syndrome adjustment in premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea? We expect through this multidisciplinary study; we can coordinate not only the different viewpoints of both Chinese and western medicine but also verify the compatibility of the theory of yin/yang and autonomic nerve (parasympathetic/sympathetic). We look forward the study can not only be a reference for further evidence-based research but also by reconciling different perspectives of Chinese and western medicine, we can, in turn, promote the cross-talk of Chinese and Western medicine in practical and academic aspects.

Being tested
Conventional gynecologic treatment, Low dose acupuncture, High dose acupuncture
Keywords
Acupuncture, Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea, Autonomic nervous activity, TCM syndrome, Meridian
Medical subject headings
Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Conventional gynecologic treatmentDrug

    Also called NSAIDs or oral contraceptives treatment

    Taking NSAIDs or oral contraceptives.NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Piroxicam. Oral contraceptives include Yasmin.

  • Low dose acupunctureDevice

    Six acupoints: Three Yin Intersection( SP6)、Grandfather Grandson(SP4)、 Sea of Blood(SP10) 、Sea of Qi(RN6)、Origin Pass(RN4) 、Inner Pass(PC6)

  • High dose acupunctureDevice

    Twelve acupoints: Three Yin Intersection( SP6)、Grandfather Grandson(SP4)、 Sea of Blood(SP10) 、Sea of Qi(RN6)、Origin Pass(RN4) 、Middle Extremity(RN3)、Inner Pass(PC6) 、Supreme Rush(LR3) 、Joining Valley(LI4) 、Supreme Stream(KI3) 、Uterus(EX-CA1) 、Leg Three Miles(ST36)

Study groups in NCT03881319
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Conventional Gynecologic Treatment groupActive comparatorTaking NSAIDs or oral contraceptives.NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Piroxicam. Oral contraceptives include Yasmin.
Receives: Drug: Conventional gynecologic treatment
Low dose acupuncture groupExperimentalAcupuncture has fewer acupuncture points.
Receives: Device: Low dose acupuncture
High dose acupuncture groupExperimentalAcupuncture has more acupuncture points.
Receives: Device: High dose acupuncture

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Wang Qi Chinese Medicine Questionnaire

    This questionnaire is used to survey TCM constitutions. Evaluate body constitution of each individual by score(Balanced Constitution, Qi-deficient Constitution, Yang-deficient Constitution, Yin-deficient Constitution, Phlegm-dampness Constitution, Damp-heat Constitution, Stagnant Blood Constitution, Stagnant Qi Constitution, and Inherited Special Constitution).

    Measured: We will evaluate separately at baseline and the end of cycle 4 (each cycle is 30 days). Change from Baseline TCM constitutions at 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days). Time Frame: baseline and 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days)

  2. Heart rate variation (HRV) test

    HRV test include time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis.Time domain analysis includes SDNN, R-MSSD and pNN50. Frequency domain analysis includes LF, HF, LF/HF and total power.

    Measured: We will evaluate separately at baseline and the end of cycle 4 (each cycle is 30 days). Change from Baseline HRV parameter at 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days). Time Frame: baseline and 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days)

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Visual analogue scale(VAS) score

    VAS is used to assess the extent of menstrual pain.

    Measured: We will evaluate separately at baseline and the end of cycle 4 (each cycle is 30 days). Change from Baseline VAS score at 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days). Time Frame: baseline and 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days)

  2. Verbal multidimensional scoring system (VMSS) assessment

    VMSS is used to assess the severity of dysmenorrhea. The VMSS assessment ranges from zero, one, two and three grade for evaluating the working ability, the systemic symptoms and whether analgesia is required or not.

    Grade 0 indicates that menstruation is not painful and daily activity is unaffected.

    Grade 1 indicates that menstruation is painful but seldom inhibits normal activity; analgesics are seldom required; mild pain.

    Grade 2 indicates that daily activity is affected; analgesics required and give sufficient relief so that absence from school is unusual; moderate pain.

    Grade 3 indicates that activity clearly inhibited; poor effect of analgesics; vegetative symptoms (headache, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea); severe pain.

    Measured: We will evaluate separately at baseline and the end of cycle 4 (each cycle is 30 days). Change from Baseline VMSS assessment at 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days). Time Frame: baseline and 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days)

  3. SF-12 Health Survey

    SF-12 health survey is a questionnaire used to assess the quality of life of individuals. It contains a total of 12 questions and can be aggregated into physiological facets and psychological facets to assess the physiological and mental health status of the subjects.

    Measured: We will evaluate separately at baseline and the end of cycle 4 (each cycle is 30 days). Change from Baseline SF-12 Health Survey at 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days). Time Frame: baseline and 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days)

  4. Blood test

    Contain:estrogen, progesterone and prostaglandin

    Measured: We will evaluate separately at baseline and the end of cycle 4 (each cycle is 30 days). Change from Baseline blood test at 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days). Time Frame: baseline and 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days)

  5. Menstrual Distress Questionnaire(MDQ)

    Contain: Pain;Concentration;Behavioral Change;Autonomic Reactions;Water Retention;Negative Affect

    Measured: We will evaluate separately at baseline and the end of cycle 4 (each cycle is 30 days). Change from Baseline Menstrual Distress Questionnaire at 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days). Time Frame: baseline and 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted19 Mar 2019
  2. Study start1 Jun 2018
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2019 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2019 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Non-randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
105 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03881319
Sponsor's protocol ID
TCHIRB-10701111
Status last verified
Jul 2018
First submitted
1 Nov 2018
Last updated
19 Mar 2019
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: This study will have a continuous plan.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Conventional gynecologic treatment, Low dose acupuncture and High dose acupuncture in people with Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea, run by Taipei City Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Mar 2019. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Results are not available in the source record.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Wang Qi Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (time frame: We will evaluate separately at baseline and the end of cycle 4 (each cycle is 30 days). Change from Baseline TCM constitutions at 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days). Time Frame: baseline and 4 cycles (each cycle is 30 days)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Mar 2019.

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