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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Elizabeth Sommers, MPH, LicAc, Research Dept., AIDS CARE PROJECT, 140 Clarendon Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, 617-859-3036 ext. 24, bsommers@pathwaystcm.org
Purpose: The study examines whether acupuncture can minimize digestive side-effects of highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and affect adherence to medication protocols. Methods: A cross-over clinical trial was designed comparing 2 sets of acupuncture points; one set has been extensively used to control side-effects of chemotherapy and aneasthesia. Types of side-effects included nausea, vomiting, bowel upsets, lack of appetite and weight loss. Random assignment and masking were used. Actual needling was done for each set of points. Demographic information as well as data on medical history, current levels of side-effects and adherence were collected at intake. Participants used daily diaries to record compliance with medication protocols and symptoms experienced. Assessments were made based on data recorded at baseline (pre-study) as well as during and following each of the two arms of the study. Results: Pilot results will be presented. Although both sets of points resulted in decreases in the number, level, and frequency of side-effects, one treatment had greater impact on symptom reduction (60% vs. 40). Adherence was not appreciably changed and was high (>95%) throughout the course of the study. Conclusions: Acupuncture treatments were safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Both treatment arms resulted in symptom reduction. The study will be continued until the goal of 190 participants is reached.
Learning Objectives: Following the session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, HIV/AIDS
Related Web page: www.pathwaystcm.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: AIDS Care Project
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.