Analysis on follow-up efficacy and safety of slow transit constipation treated with individualized deep puncture at Tianshu(ST 25):a multi-central randomized controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the follow-up efficacy and safety on slow transit constipation(STC)treated with individualized deep puncture at Tianshu(ST 25).Methods One hundred and twenty-eight cases of STC were randomized into a deep puncture group(64cases),a western medication group(31cases)and a shallow puncture group(33cases)at the ratio of 2∶1∶1.In the deep puncture group,electroacupuncture of deep puncture was applied to bilateral Tianshu(ST 25).The needle was inserted perpendicularly and slowly at the acupoint and went deeply till penetrating the peritoneum,about 20to 65mm in depth.In the western medication group,lactulose oral liquid was prescribed for oral administration.In the shallow puncture group,electroacupuncture of shallow puncture was done at bilateral Tianshu(ST 25).The needle was inserted perpendicularly and slowly,5to 8mm in depth.The treatment lasted 4weeks in the three groups and the follow-up visit of 12weeks and 6month after treatment was performed respectively.The weekly defecation frequency,patient's satisfaction and safety of deep puncture at Tianshu(ST 25)were assessed before and after treatment in each group.Results In the deep puncture group,the weekly defecation frequency was(1.79±1.05)times/week before treatment and was(3.90±1.43)times/week after 4-week treatment.It was(3.49±1.46)times/week in 12-week follow-up visit after treatment and was(3.51±1.42)times/week in 6-month follow-up visit after treatment.In the deep puncture group,the improvements in weekly defecation frequency,patient's satisfaction and short-term efficacy were same as those in the western medication group and the shallow puncture group(all P0.05).The long-term efficacy in followup visit was better remarkably than that in the western medication group(P0.05,P0.01).Besides,the combined medication was reduced and no adverse reaction occurred.Conclusion The individualized deep puncture at Tianshu(ST 25)is effective in the treatment of STC and achieves the satisfactory long-term efficacy.This therapy displays the good effective advantage and deserves to be promoted in clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion therapeutic program as compared with the first-tier line of medication,lactulose oral liquid,recommended at home and abroad,in terms of the evidence-based medicine.