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Xu M, Zhu M, Zheng C. Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:775-788. [PMID: 37436463 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of acupuncture on IVF-ET outcomes. METHODS Digital databases, including Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science and ScienceDirect, were searched from their inception to July 2022. The MeSH terms we used included: acupuncture, in vitro fertilization, assisted reproductive technology and randomized controlled trial. The reference lists of relevant documents were also searched. The biases of included studies were assessed by the Cochrane Handbook 5.3. The major outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). The pregnancy outcomes reported in these trials were pooled and expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the Review Manager 5.4 meta-analysis software. Heterogeneity of the therapeutic effect was evaluated with a forest plot analysis. Publication bias was assessed by a funnel plot analysis. RESULTS Twenty-five trials (a total of 4757 participants) were included in this review. There were no significant publication biases for most of the comparisons among these studies. The pooled CPR (25 trials) of all the acupuncture groups (43.6%) was significantly higher than that of all the control groups (33.2%, P < 0.00001), and the pooled LBR (11 trials) of all the acupuncture groups (38.0%) was significantly higher than that of all the control groups (28.7%, P < 0.00001). Different acupuncture methods (manual acupuncture, electrical acupuncture and transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation), acupuncture time (before or during the time of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and around the time of embryo transfer), and acupuncture courses (at least 4 sessions and less than 4 sessions) have respectively positive effects on IVF outcomes. CONCLUSION Acupuncture can significantly improve CPR and LBR among women undergoing IVF. Placebo acupuncture can be a relatively ideal control measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghao Xu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengdi Zhu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuihong Zheng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang HR, Zhang C, Ma PH, Sun CY, Sun CY, Liu XY, Pu ZQ, Lin YH, Liu BY, Liu CZ, Yan SY. Pregnancy Benefit of Acupuncture on in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:1021-1032. [PMID: 37815728 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, more and more infertility couples are opting for combined acupuncture to improve success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, evidence from acupuncture for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes remains a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE To quantitatively summarized the evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing IVF by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Four English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and Four Chinese databases (Wanfang Databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and SinoMed) were searched from database inception until July 2, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the acupuncture's effects for women undergoing IVF were included. The subgroup analysis was conducted with respect to the age of participants, different acupuncture types, type of control, acupuncture timing, geographical origin of the study, whether or not repeated IVF failure, and acupuncture sessions. Sensitivity analyses were predefifined to explore the robustness of results. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR), and the secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Random effects model with I2 statistics were used to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger's tests. RESULTS A total of 58 eligible RCTs representing 10,968 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identifified. Pooled CPR and LBR showed a signifificant difference between acupuncture and control groups [69 comparisons, relative risk (RR) 1.19, 95% confifidence intervals (CI) 1.12 to 1.25, I2=0], extremely low evidence; 23 comparisons, RR 1.11, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.21, I2=14.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation showed a positive effect on both CPR (16 comparisons, RR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.29; I2=0, moderate evidence) and LBR (9 comparisons, RR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.37; I2=8.5, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high-quality evidence. CONCLUSION Results showed that the convincing evidence levels on the associations between acupuncture and IVF pregnant outcomes were relatively low, and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might inflfluence the fifindings. (Registration No. PROSPERO CRD42021232430).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ran Zhang
- College of Preschool Education, Beijing Youth Politics College, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Pei-Hong Ma
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Cheng-Yi Sun
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chong-Yang Sun
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zhen-Qing Pu
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yu-Han Lin
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Bao-Yan Liu
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shi-Yan Yan
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Masoud A, Elsayed F, Abu-Zaid A, Marchand G, Lowe R, Liang B, Jallad M. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF cycles in China and the world. Turk J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 19:315-326. [DOI: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2022.04752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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The Efficacy and Safety of the Zhuyun Formula and Auricular Acupressure for the Infertile Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5274638. [PMID: 36267092 PMCID: PMC9578856 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5274638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Recurrent implantation failure (RIF), a clinical disorder characterized by failure to achieve pregnancy after repeated (≥3) embryo transfer, is a challenge for reproductive demands worldwide. In our preliminary work, the Zhuyun formula (ZYF) with auricular acupressure, a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with a small sample size for RIF, can improve the clinical pregnancy rate (41.2% vs. 26.7%, treatment group vs. control group, p < 0.05). Based on the toxicological and pregnancy-related pharmacological analysis of ZYF for RIF, the T-cell receptor signaling pathway might be involved in the pharmacological activity. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of the CAM therapy according to pregnancy outcomes and maternal and child health and investigating the changes of T-helper (Th) cells in the peripheral blood of unexplained RIF women. Materials and Methods We conducted a prospective, two-arms, randomized, nonblinded study. All eligible women were randomly assigned to the treatment group (TG) and the control group (CG) according to a computer-generated randomization list in sealed opaque envelopes. Blood samples were collected from the two groups, and serum Th1, Th2, and Treg were detected by flow cytometry. The cytokines were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The TG was administrated with ZYF and auricular acupressure for three months before ovarian stimulation, while the control group was on a waiting list for the same period. The primary outcome was CPR. The second outcomes were the serum levels of immune parameters. For the safety evaluation, the perinatal outcomes of maternal and child were obtained by follow-up. Post-hoc sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effect of missing data. Results One hundred and twenty-three women were randomized into the TG (n = 62) and CG (n = 61). The CPR was increased significantly in the TG (45.2%) than CG (26.2%) (p = 0.029). Twenty blood samples were collected, and the Th2/Th1 and Treg expression level was significantly higher in the TG than in the CG. IL-2, IL-10, and Foxp3 were higher significantly in the TG than in the CG. The maternal and child perinatal outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions The ZYF with auricular acupressure was effective and safe in improving the pregnancy outcomes of RIF. It might be related to balancing the level of cytokines related to the immune tolerance of the maternal-fetal interface to protect the embryo from the maternal immune system. Clinical Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry; date: 14/Dec/2013; no. NCT03078205.
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Zheng X, Yu S, Liu L, Yang H, Wang F, Yang H, Lv X, Yang J. The Dose-Related Efficacy of Acupuncture on Endometrial Receptivity in Infertile Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:858587. [PMID: 35570887 PMCID: PMC9095926 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.858587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progress has been achieved by using acupuncture widely for poor endometrial receptivity (PER). However, different acupuncture dosages may lead to controversy over efficacy. Objective To evaluate the evidence-based conclusions of dose-related acupuncture on infertile women with PER. Method References were retrieved from nine databases from inception to 26 February 2022. This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the dose-related efficacy of acupuncture for PER with outcomes of endometrium receptivity (ER) parameters by transvaginal sonography (TVS) and the subsequent pregnancy outcomes in three acupuncture-dose groups: the high-dosage group (three menstrual cycles), the moderate-dosage group (one menstrual cycle), and the low-dosage group (two or four days). Since there remained sufficient heterogeneity among the three subsets, we prespecified seven subgroup variables (four clinical and three methodological) to investigate the heterogeneities. Results A total of 14 RCTs (1,564 women) of moderate or low overall quality were included. The results were different when the dosage of acupuncture was restricted. For the moderate or high-dosage group, CPR and part of ER parameters were improved in the acupuncture group (i.e., CPR: OR = 2.00, 95% CI [1.24, 3.22], p = 0.004, I 2 = 0% in one menstrual cycle; OR = 2.49, 95%CI [1.67, 3.72], p < 0.05, I 2 = 0% in three menstrual cycles). However, for the low-dosage group, no statistical difference was observed in CPR (OR = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.10, 0.23], p = 0.44, I 2 = 82%) and a part of the ER parameters. In subgroup analysis, four subgroup variables (the routine treatment, risk of performance bias, duration of acupuncture treatment, and the age of participants) could explain some of the heterogeneities across all trials. Conclusion The finding indicated that the trend of relatively more acupuncture dosage showed better effects for poor endometrial receptivity among PER women. It remains a potential heterogeneity in our studies. Further high-quality trials with a homogeneity trial design need to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zheng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Sichuan Province, Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyi Yu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liying Liu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Yang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangge Wang
- Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Sichuan Province, Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Sichuan Province, Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyu Lv
- Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Sichuan Province, Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Sichuan Province, Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Acupuncture as Treatment for Female Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3595033. [PMID: 35222669 PMCID: PMC8865966 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3595033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background The effects of acupuncture on female infertility remain controversial. Also, the variation in the participant, interventions, outcomes studied, and trial design may relate to the efficacy of adjuvant acupuncture. The aim of the study is to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for female with infertility and hopefully provide reliable guidance for clinicians and patients. Methods We searched digital databases for relevant studies, including EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to April 2021, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing IVF and other treatment. We included studies with intervention groups using acupuncture and control groups consisting of no acupuncture or sham (placebo) acupuncture. Primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were conducted on the basis of ten prespecified covariates to investigate the variances of the effects of adjuvant acupuncture on pregnancy rates and the sources of heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-seven studies with 7676 participants were included. The results showed that the intervention group contributes more in outcomes including live birth rate (RR = 1.34; 95% CI (1.07, 1.67); P < 0.05), clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.43; 95% CI (1.21, 1.69); P < 0.05), biochemical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.42; 95% CI (1.05, 1.91); P < 0.05), ongoing pregnancy rate (RR = 1.25; 95% CI (0.88, 1.79); P < 0.05), adverse events (RR = 1.65; 95% CI (1.15, 2.36); P < 0.05), and implantation rate (MD = 1.19; 95% CI (1.07, 1.33); P < 0.05) when compared with the control group, and the difference is statistically significant. In terms of the number of oocytes retrieved, good-quality embryo rate, miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancy rate, the difference between the acupuncture group and the control group was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our analysis finds a benefit of acupuncture for outcomes in women with infertility, and the number of acupuncture treatments is a potential influential factor. Given the poor reporting and methodological flaws of existing studies, studies with larger scales and better methodologies are needed to verify these findings. More double-blind RCTs equipped with high quality and large samples are expected for the improvement of the level of evidence.
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Wang Y, Shen X, Hu YF, Sodders R. The Limitation of Randomized Control Trials on the Influence of Acupuncture and In Vitro Fertilization: A Literature Review. Med Acupunct 2022; 34:24-33. [PMID: 35251435 PMCID: PMC8886925 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2021.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Acupuncture has gained popularity among patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the beneficial effect of acupuncture for improving IVF success is controversial and debatable. Given that different meta-analyses have come to different conclusions, it is crucial to explore the clinical trials in more detail. This literature review examined the limitation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the influence of acupuncture in IVF. Methods: This review began with 844 studies. The inclusion criteria were studies that had acupuncture treatments in conjunction with IVF. After exclusion criteria were applied, the final number of peer-reviewed studies was 10. Results: There were substantial variations in the results of the 10 RCTs. This seemed to suggest that acupuncture was not effective in conjunction with IVF treatment. However, limitations emerged that might explain these variations in results. Such limitations include timing of acupuncture and point selections; acupuncture not performed by experienced licensed acupuncturists; lack of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnoses and fixed protocols causing biases; acupuncture dosages; and using sham acupuncture as a control. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for further research into the effectiveness of acupuncture for improving IVF outcomes. This review provides insight into this complex and controversial topic, revealing limitations of the clinical trials that led to different conclusions. If future research can examine acupuncture treatment carefully to resemble real-world clinical practice-having appropriate controls and individualized acupuncture treatments-increasingly positive effects from acupuncture in IVF may be expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhsi Wang
- Five Branches University, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoxiong Shen
- Five Branches University, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.,Address correspondence to: Xiaoxiong Shen, PhD, LAc, 1328 West Artesia Boulevard, Gardena, CA 90248, USA
| | - Yue-Fen Hu
- Five Branches University, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Robyn Sodders
- Five Branches University, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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Effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization-related anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:69-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Zhou X, Li X, Ding H, Lu Y. Acupuncture effects on in-vitro fertilization pregnancy outcomes: A meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021; 46:101525. [PMID: 34979465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of acupuncture on in-vitro fertilization outcomes remain controversial. This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy to embryo transfer compared to sham-controls or no adjuvant therapy controls on improving pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization. METHODS A systematic literature search up to January 2021 was performed and 29 studies included 6623 individuals undergoing in-vitro fertilization at the baseline of the study; 3091 of them were using acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy to embryo transfer, 1559 of them were using sham-controls, and 1441 of them were using no adjuvant therapy controls. They reported a comparison between the effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy to embryo transfer compared to sham-controls or no adjuvant therapy controls on improving pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy to embryo transfer compared to sham-controls or no adjuvant therapy controls using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed-effect model. RESULTS Significantly higher outcomes with acupuncture were observed in biochemical pregnancy (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.55-2.53, p < 0.001); clinical pregnancy (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.46-1.98, p < 0.001); ongoing pregnancy (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.41-2.26, p < 0.001); and live birth (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.15-2.18, p = 0.005) compared to no adjuvant therapy controls. However, no significant difference were found between acupuncture and no adjuvant therapy controls in miscarriage (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.48-1.92, p = 0.91). No significant difference was observed with acupuncture in biochemical pregnancy (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.65-2.08, p = 0.62); clinical pregnancy (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.83-1.54, p = 0.43); ongoing pregnancy (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.66-1.62, p = 0.87); live birth (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.73-1.42, p = 0.90), and miscarriage (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.86-1.55, p = 0.34) compared to sham-controls. CONCLUSIONS Using acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy to embryo transfer may improve the biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth outcomes compared to no adjuvant therapy controls. However, no significant difference was found between acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy to embryo transfer and sham-controls in any of the measured outcomes. This relationship forces us to recommend the use of acupuncture as adjuvant therapy in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization and inquire further studies comparing acupuncture and sham-controls to reach the best procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210001, China
| | - Xiuling Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210001, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210001, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Maternity of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210001, China.
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The Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Female Infertility. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6634309. [PMID: 33986820 PMCID: PMC8093064 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6634309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Female infertility is a state of fertility disorder caused by multiple reasons. The incidence of infertility for females has significantly increased due to various factors such as social pressure, late marriage, and late childbirth, and its harm includes heavy economic burden, psychological shadow, and even marriage failure. Conventional solutions, such as hormone therapy, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo transfer, have the limitations of unsatisfied obstetric outcomes and serious adverse events. Currently, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as a new treatment for infertility, is gradually challenging the dominant position of traditional therapies in the treatment of infertility. CAM claims that it can adjust and harmonize the state of the female body from a holistic approach to achieve a better therapeutic effect and has been increasingly used by infertile women. Meanwhile, some controversial issues also appeared; that is, some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirmed that CAM had no obvious effect on infertility, and the mechanism of its effect could not reach a consensus. To clarify CAM effectiveness, safety, and mechanism, this paper systematically reviewed the literature about its treatment of female infertility collected from PubMed and CNKI databases and mainly introduced acupuncture, moxibustion, and oral Chinese herbal medicine. In addition, we also briefly summarized psychological intervention, biosimilar electrical stimulation, homeopathy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, etc.
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Zhu X, Yang L, Li Z, Pan Z, Huang S, Xiong Y, Wu J. Safety and effectiveness of acupuncture for POSEIDON patients in IVF/ICSI: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22768. [PMID: 33080745 PMCID: PMC7571989 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for POSEIDON patients undergoing IVF/ICSI. METHODS and analysis We will electronically search Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biomedical Literature Database, China Science Journal Database and Wan-fang Database from their inception. Also, we will manually retrieve other resources, including reference lists of identified publications, conference articles, and grey literature. The clinical randomized controlled trials or quasi randomized controlled trials related to acupuncture treatment for POSEIDON patients in IVF/ICSI will be included in the study. The language is limited to Chinese and English. Research selection, data extraction, and research quality assessment will be independently completed by two researchers. Data were synthesized by using a fixed effect model or random effect model depend on the heterogeneity test. The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) will be the primary outcomes. The ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage rate (MR) and adverse events will also be assessed as secondary outcomes. RevMan V.5.3 statistical software will be used for meta-analysis, and the level of evidence will be assessed by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Continuous data will be expressed in the form of weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), while dichotomous data will be expressed in the form of relative risk with 95% CIs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol of this systematic review (SR) does not require ethical approval because it does not involve humans. We will publish this article in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION OSF Registries, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/6WP2F (https://osf.io/6wp2f).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyun Zhu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion School Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Lijie Yang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, China
| | - Zimeng Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion School Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhengqi Pan
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion School Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Shijie Huang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion School Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Yueheng Xiong
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion School Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Jie Wu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, China
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General Issues in Clinical Research of Acupuncture and In Vitro Fertilization. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:3460641. [PMID: 32351593 PMCID: PMC7174969 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3460641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), a well-developed technology, provides the last possibility or hope for infertile women. However, the live birth rate per IVF cycle is still not satisfactory. Acupuncture is a frequently used adjunctive therapy drawing wide attention on improvement of IVF. Although so many randomized controlled trials have been evaluating the effect of acupuncture on IVF in the past 20 years, the exact efficacy of acupuncture on IVF is still controversy mainly because of no consensus on placebo control and acupuncture scheme. This paper focused on the general issues in clinical research of acupuncture and IVF and gave some suggestions for future directions.
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Ots T, Kandirian A, Szilagyi I, DiGiacomo SM, Sandner-Kiesling A. The selection of dermatomes for sham (placebo) acupuncture points is relevant for the outcome of acupuncture studies: a systematic review of sham (placebo)-controlled randomized acupuncture trials. Acupunct Med 2020; 38:211-226. [PMID: 32026725 DOI: 10.1177/0964528419889636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture reveal no significant differences between acupuncture and so-called placebo acupuncture. There is a strong tendency to replace the term "placebo" by the term "sham," because any needling stimulates a certain physiological response. However, neither concept accounts for the great diversity of results in RCTs comparing verum acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture. Some trials have shown little or no difference, while other studies have found statistically significant differences. OBJECTIVE Verum acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture may achieve similar results to the extent that they share active constituents. We identified these common active constituents as dermatomes: the segmental structure of the human body. In our study, we tested the hypothesis that the more verum and sham (placebo) acupuncture share the same dermatomes, the closer the clinical outcomes will be, and vice versa. METHODS All major databases were searched for RCTs that tested acupuncture versus sham (placebo) acupuncture. The dermatome charts of Hansen and Schliack were used to verify verum and sham (placebo) needling locations. Reported clinical outcomes were assessed in relation to the percentage of overlap between the dermatomes stimulated by acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture. RESULTS Our literature search yielded a total of 1738 references. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. The effects of sham (placebo) acupuncture varied according to the dermatomes stimulated: high overlap with those stimulated by verum acupuncture resulted in almost identical efficacy, while low overlap resulted in significant differences in efficacy. Clinical outcomes were similar when verum acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture shared the same dermatomes (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION The findings of this review confirm our hypothesis. Acupuncture studies that employed verum and sham locations on overlapping dermatomes helped to create a mediocre to negative picture of acupuncture's efficacy. The segmental structure of the body with its interconnected reflex system offers an additional neurophysiological explanation for the effectiveness of acupuncture applied to structures segmentally innervated by the spinal and visceral nervous system. Further comparative acupuncture studies should be based on knowledge of segmental anatomy. In testing verum acupuncture versus sham acupuncture, the chosen sham acupuncture needling locations should be situated on non-overlapping dermatomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ots
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Asal Kandirian
- Department of Neurology, Vivantes Klinikum Spandau, Berlin, Germany
| | - Istvan Szilagyi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Susan M DiGiacomo
- Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain.,Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Sandner-Kiesling
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Jiang D, Li L, Wan S, Meng F. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Effects on Assisted Reproductive Technology: Six Cases and Their Clinical Significance. Med Acupunct 2019; 31:395-406. [PMID: 31871529 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2019.1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the routine treatment for infertility. The success rate for individual sessions is generally not high, and many patients need to undergo several cycles. To increase their chances of success, many patients turn to acupuncture to complement ART. Many clinical trials of acupuncture helping in vitro fertilization (IVF) have focused only on IVF-embryo transfer (ET). In some difficult cases, when even IVF cannot be offered, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can improve the patients' conditions to reach a level at which ART can be successful. Cases: Six cases showed how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), using Chinese herbs, can make IVF possible in difficult cases and how they can also help prevent miscarriage afterward. The cases included patients with amenorrhea, sperm disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), tubal blockage, premenopause, and premature ovarian insufficiency. Results: Acupuncture and Chinese herbs worked together to help make ART possible or easier. The ART used for these patients included intrauterine insemination, IVF, IVF with a donor egg, and introcytoplasmic sperm injection. In 3 cases, IVF was not initially successful but was successful after TCM treatment. Conclusions: These 6 cases demonstrated the positive effect of a combined approach, using acupuncture and herbs to reduce DOR and regulate hormonal disorders, creating sustainable environments for conceiving and maintaining pregnancy, thus, translating into clinical success. Clinical observation of these cases sheds new light on designing future clinical trials and practice of TCM for practitioners who provide infertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Jiang
- Hallam Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and Asante Academy of TCM London, United Kingdom; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lily Li
- Imperial College Healthcare, National Health S, Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simei Wan
- Department of Medical History, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Lincoln College, Lincoln, United Kingdom. (visiting scholar; 2019; sponsored by Anhui University of TCM; Fund No: gxgwfx2018039)
| | - Fanyi Meng
- Lincoln College, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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15
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Taguchi R, Sato K, Adomi S, Tanaka N, Tamura H, Tamura T. Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture as Treatments for Emotional Distress in Infertile Women in Japan. Med Acupunct 2019; 31:372-378. [PMID: 31871525 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2019.1344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Needle and laser acupuncture are often used to improve the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study examined whether needle or laser acupuncture ameliorated the emotional distress experienced by infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Materials and Methods: Fifty-one infertile women who were undergoing IVF-ET or ICSI received needle acupuncture (needle-acupuncture group; n = 32) or laser acupuncture treatment (laser-acupuncture group; n = 19). The emotional distress experienced by the infertile women was evaluated using 2 questionnaires-the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-both before and after 3 months of treatment. Results: In the needle-acupuncture group, the POMS detected significant post-treatment reductions in tension/anxiety (P < 0.001), depression/dejection (P < 0.001), anger/hostility (P < 0.001), confusion (P < 0.05), and total mood disturbance (TMD; p < 0.001). However, the POMS scores for vigor/activity and fatigue were not altered significantly after the treatment. In the STAI, both State and Trait scores had significantly decreased after the acupuncture (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the laser-acupuncture group, the POMS detected significantly lower tension/anxiety (P < 0.05) and vigor/activity (P < 0.05) scores after the treatment. However, the POMS did not detect significant changes in depression/dejection, anger/hostility, fatigue, confusion, or TMD after the treatment. Furthermore, neither the STAI-State nor the STAI-Trait score had significantly decreased after the laser acupuncture treatment. Conclusions: These results indicate that needle and laser acupuncture ameliorate the emotional distress experienced by women who are undergoing IVF-ET or ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Taguchi
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Meiji University of Integrative Medicine, Nantan-Shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kimiko Sato
- Tamura Hideko Ladies' Clinic, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sayaka Adomi
- Tamura Hideko Ladies' Clinic, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Noriko Tanaka
- Tamura Hideko Ladies' Clinic, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideko Tamura
- Tamura Hideko Ladies' Clinic, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takaya Tamura
- Tamura Obstetrics/Gynecology Clinic, Kameoka City, Kyoto, Japan
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The Influence Of Intrauterine Pressure On Embryo Retention In A Catheter After Embryo Transfer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11969. [PMID: 31427621 PMCID: PMC6700161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The retention of the embryo in the transfer catheter after embryo transfer (ET) during in vitro fertilization is a very common phenomenon, encountered by even the most experienced operators, and embryos retained in the transfer catheter or its sleeve require a repeat transfer. The exact mechanism of embryo retention has not been explained. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of embryo retention in the catheter during embryo transfer by using a transparent uterus model equipped with pressure sensors and a video recorder. The results indicate that pressure changes in the uterine cavity during ET can influence the distribution of the transferred fluid containing the embryo. Under certain conditions, the transferred fluid can flow backward in the catheter, which may lead to retention of the embryo in the catheter.
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Xie ZY, Peng ZH, Yao B, Chen L, Mu YY, Cheng J, Li Q, Luo X, Yang PY, Xia YB. The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:131. [PMID: 31200701 PMCID: PMC6570865 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2523-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes remain controversial. And the variation in participant, interventions, outcomes studied, and trial design may relate to the efficacy of adjuvant acupuncture. METHODS We searched digital databases for relevant studies, including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library and some Chinese databases up to December 2018, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing IVF. We included studies with intervention groups using needling, and control groups consisting of no acupuncture or sham (placebo) acupuncture. Primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were conducted on the basis of eight pre-specified covariates to investigate the variances of the effects of adjuvant acupuncture on pregnancy rates and the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies with 6116 participants were included. The pooled clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) from all of acupuncture groups was significantly greater than that of control groups (RR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07-1.38), whereas the pooled live birth rate (LBR) was not. Meta-regression subgroup analysis showed a more significant benefit of acupuncture for repeated IVF cycle proportion (number of women with a history of prior unsuccessful IVF attempt divided by number of women included in each trial) ≥ 50% group (CPR: RR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.28-2.00; LBR: RR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05-1.92), and this covariate explained most of the heterogeneity (CPR and LBR: adjusted R2 = 100 and 87.90%). Similar results were found between CPR and number of acupuncture treatments (CPR: p = 0.002, adjusted R2 = 51.90%), but not LBR. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis finds a benefit of acupuncture for IVF outcomes in women with a history of unsuccessful IVF attempt, and number of acupuncture treatments is a potential influential factor. Given the poor reporting and methodological flaws of existing studies, studies with larger scales and better methodologies are needed to verify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-yun Xie
- Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-hang Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Yao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medical, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medical, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-yun Mu
- The Second School Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- The Second School Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Li
- The Second School Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Changzheng Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Nanjing branch, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng-yan Yang
- Nanjing Jiangning Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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18
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19
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Zhong Y, Zeng F, Liu W, Ma J, Guan Y, Song Y. Acupuncture in improving endometrial receptivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:61. [PMID: 30866920 PMCID: PMC6417024 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2472-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background This systematic review aimed at summarizing and evaluating the evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using acupuncture to improve endometrial receptivity (ER). Methods We searched 12 databases electronically through August 2018 without language restrictions. We included RCTs of women of infertility due to low ER, and excluded infertility caused by other reasons or non-RCTs. Two independent reviewers extracted the characteristics of studies and resolved the differences through consensus. Data were pooled and expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes, with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results We found very low to moderate level of evidence that acupuncture may improve pregnancy rate (RR = 1.23 95%CI[1.13, 1.34] P < 0.00001) and embryo transfer rate (RR = 2.04 95%CI[1.13, 3.70] P = 0.02), increase trilinear endometrium (RR = 1.47 95%CI [1.27, 1.70] P < 0.00001), thicken endometrium (SMD = 0.41 95% CI [0.11, 0.72] P = 0.008), reduce resistive index (RI) (MD = -0.08 95% CI [− 0.15, − 0.02] P = 0.01), pulse index (PI) (SMD = -2.39 95% CI [− 3.85, − 0.93] P = 0.001) and peak systolic velocity/ end-diastolic blood velocity (S/D) (SMD = -0.60 95% CI [− 0.89, − 0.30] P < 0.0001), compared with medication, sham acupuncture or physiotherapy. Acupuncture was statistically significant as a treatment approach. Conclusion The efficacy and safety of acupuncture on key outcomes in women with low ER is statistically significant, but the level of most evidence was very low or low. More large-scale, long-term RCTs with rigorous methodologies are needed.
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20
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Saravelos SH, Li TC. Embryo transfer techniques. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 59:77-88. [PMID: 30711373 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Embryo transfer is the final and rate-limiting step of the assisted reproductive technique. Few advances have occurred in the last few decades with regard to this procedure. Studies conducted thus far have focused on factors and interventions taking place before, during and after this procedure. These factors are highly varied and range from methods to improve the psychological state of the patients to methods aimed at reducing uterine contractility and methods aimed at optimising the precise transfer of the embryo. The key question is which factors and interventions have thus far been proven to increase pregnancy rates and live birth rates. This paper aims to review the evidence relating to embryo transfer techniques in a systematic manner with a view to provide practical recommendations to practitioners involved in the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tin-Chiu Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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21
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Smith CA, Armour M, Shewamene Z, Tan HY, Norman RJ, Johnson NP. Acupuncture performed around the time of embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:364-379. [PMID: 30658892 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to embryo transfer compared with controls to improve reproductive outcomes. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy. Twenty trials and 5130 women were included in the review. The meta-analysis found increased pregnancies (risk ratio [RR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.62, 12 trials, 2230 women), live births (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.68, 9 trials, 1980 women) and reduced miscarriage (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03-1.98, 10 trials, 2042 women) when acupuncture was compared with no adjunctive control. There was significant heterogeneity, but no significant differences between acupuncture and sham controls. Acupuncture may have a significant effect on clinical pregnancy rates, independent of comparator group, when used in women who have had multiple previous IVF cycles, or where there was a low baseline pregnancy rate. The findings suggest acupuncture may be effective when compared with no adjunctive treatment with increased clinical pregnancies, but is not an efficacious treatment when compared with sham controls, although non-specific effects may be active in both acupuncture and sham controls. Future research examining the effects of acupuncture for women with poorer IVF outcomes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Smith
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia.
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Zewdneh Shewamene
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Hsiewe Ying Tan
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Fertility SA, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
| | - Neil P Johnson
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Fertility SA, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia; Repromed Auckland, 105 Remuera Road, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
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Lim J, Kim JH, Chae YM. Evaluation for effectiveness of oriental medicine-based infertility treatment and spontaneous pregnancy rate of infertile patients using systematic review. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2019. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2019.62.12.645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jiseun Lim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Eulji University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Health Administration, College of Health Science, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
- Institute of Health Promotion and Policy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Yoo Mi Chae
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
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23
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Do Women over 35 Years Old Who Have Undergone a Myomectomy Require More Acupuncture Sessions to Become Pregnant? JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.13045/jar.2018.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Zhang X, Lee MS, Smith CA, Robinson N, Zhou Y, Wu Y, Mao YY, Qu F. Effects of acupuncture during in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Integr Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Effects of acupuncture on ovarian blood supply and pregnancy outcomes in patients receiving assisted reproduction. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-018-1059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Wang X, Lin H, Chen M, Wang J, Jin Y. Effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization: An updated systematic review and data mining protocol. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e10998. [PMID: 29901590 PMCID: PMC6025581 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000010998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many patients try to seek acupuncture to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, evidence regarding its efficacy and acupoints characters are lacking. The aim of this protocol is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety, as well as the acupoints characteristics of acupuncture in the treatment of female undergoing IVF, by conducting a systematic review and data mining. METHODS The following 6 databases will be searched from their inception to April 30, 2018: PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP database, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or case-control studies of acupuncture that assess clinical effects and side effects in female undergoing IVF are included. The primary outcome measures will be number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, oocyte cleavage rate, high-quality embryos rate, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHHS) incidence rate, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), implantation rate, and cycle cancellation rate. Two reviewers will independently undertake data extraction and quality assessments. Data will be synthesized by RevMan V.5.3 software. Acupoints characteristics will be excavated using Traditional Chinese Medicine inheritance support system (TCMISS). Reporting bias will be assessed by Funnel plots, Begg test, and Egger test. RESULTS This review will assess the clinical efficacy and safety, as well as the acupoints characteristics of acupuncture on IVF. CONCLUSION These findings will summarize the current evidence of acupuncture on IVF outcomes and may provide guidance for clinicians and infertile women to select acupuncture for IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen
| | | | - Mingzhu Chen
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen
| | - Yuanlin Jin
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen
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Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, Ratcliffe J, Norman RJ, Johnson NP, Boothroyd C, Fahey P. Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Live Births Among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2018; 319:1990-1998. [PMID: 29800212 PMCID: PMC6583254 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2018.5336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Acupuncture is widely used by women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), although the evidence for efficacy is conflicting. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of acupuncture compared with a sham acupuncture control performed during IVF on live births. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A single-blind, parallel-group randomized clinical trial including 848 women undergoing a fresh IVF cycle was conducted at 16 IVF centers in Australia and New Zealand between June 29, 2011, and October 23, 2015, with 10 months of pregnancy follow-up until August 2016. INTERVENTIONS Women received either acupuncture (n = 424) or a sham acupuncture control (n = 424). The first treatment was administered between days 6 to 8 of follicle stimulation, and 2 treatments were administered prior to and following embryo transfer. The sham control used a noninvasive needle placed away from the true acupuncture points. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was live birth, defined as the delivery of 1 or more living infants at greater than 20 weeks' gestation or birth weight of at least 400 g. RESULTS Among 848 randomized women, 24 withdrew consent, 824 were included in the study (mean [SD] age, 35.4 [4.3] years); 371 [45.0%] had undergone more than 2 previous IVF cycles), 607 proceeded to an embryo transfer, and 809 (98.2%) had data available on live birth outcomes. Live births occurred among 74 of 405 women (18.3%) receiving acupuncture compared with 72 of 404 women (17.8%) receiving sham control (risk difference, 0.5% [95% CI, -4.9% to 5.8%]; relative risk, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.76 to 1.38]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among women undergoing IVF, administration of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture at the time of ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer resulted in no significant difference in live birth rates. These findings do not support the use of acupuncture to improve the rate of live births among women undergoing IVF. TRIAL REGISTRATION anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12611000226909.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. Smith
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sheryl de Lacey
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Chapman
- School of Women’s & Children Health, University of New South Wales, IVF Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Ratcliffe
- Institute for Choice, Business School, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert J. Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Fertility SA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Neil P. Johnson
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Repromed, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clare Boothroyd
- Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Fahey
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Kim KH, Jang S, Lee JA, Go HY, Jung J, Park S, Lee MS, Ko SG. Characteristics and Outcomes of Female Infertility Treatment Programs Using Traditional Medicine in Korea: A Multisite Analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:570-577. [PMID: 29565635 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infertility has long been recognized as a treatable disease, and complementary and alternative medicine treatments, such as acupuncture and moxibustion, have been used in Korea and China. This study describes female infertility treatment programs that used traditional Korean medicine (TKM) and were conducted by local governments in Korea and evaluates its effectiveness and safety. METHODS The authors officially requested related information from the report of the infertility treatment programs and related sources from 2006 to 2016 from the Health & Welfare Ministry of Korea and the Association of Korean Medicine (AKOM). Additional information was obtained from six Korean databases. Data including basic information about the programs, participant information, interventions, and outcomes were abstracted. RESULTS A total of 9 reports, including multiple years of data from 6 programs (total 13 programs), were identified. In these 13 programs, a total of 1023 female subjects participated, and 205 of the 887 subjects who completed the program reported a successful pregnancy, indicating a 23.1% pregnancy rate. The programs lasted 3-9 months, and interventional elements, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, fumigation, and massage, were identified. Significant adverse effects were not reported. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that infertility treatment programs with TKM interventions exhibited a positive effect on pregnancy in females with infertility. Thus, the infertility treatment programs with TKM interventions are expected to be useful and might serve as the primary treatment before assisted reproduction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong Han Kim
- 1 Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine , Woosuk University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Soobin Jang
- 2 Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Ah Lee
- 3 Department of Korean Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine , Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Yeon Go
- 4 Internal Medicine College of Korean Medicine , Semyung University, Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyoun Jung
- 2 Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunju Park
- 5 Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine , Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- 2 Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- 6 Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine , Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Chu K, Zhang Q, Han H, Xu C, Pang W, Ma Y, Sun N, Li W. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nonpharmacological adjuvant interventions for patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2017; 139:268-277. [PMID: 28837219 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chu
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai China
| | - Hedong Han
- Department of Health Statistics; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai China
| | - Chen Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai China
| | - Wenjuan Pang
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai China
| | - Yan Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai China
| | - Ningxia Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai China
| | - Wen Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai China
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Qu F, Wang FF, Wu Y, Zhou J, Robinson N, Hardiman PJ, Pan JX, He YJ, Zhu YH, Wang HZ, Ye XQ, He KL, Cui L, Zhao HL, Ye YH. Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improves the Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization: A Prospective, Randomized and Controlled Study. Explore (NY) 2017; 13:306-312. [PMID: 28915981 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore whether transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) can improve the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN A prospective, randomized, and controlled study. SETTING IVF center in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS Four hundred and eighty-one infertile patients with bilateral tubal blockage who were referred for IVF. Patients were randomized into four groups. INTERVENTION TEAS was administered for 30min, respectively, at 24h before TVOR and two hours before ET. The acupoints included SP10 (Xuehai, bilateral), SP8 (Diji, bilateral), LR3 (Taichong, bilateral), ST36 (Zusanli, bilateral), EX-CA1 (Zigong, bilateral), RN4 (Guanyuan), PC6 (Neiguan, bilateral), and RN12 (Zhongwan). Based on different frequencies of TEAS, patients were grouped into a TEAS-2Hz group, a TEAS-100Hz group and a TEAS-2/100Hz group. Patients in the control group only received routine IVF treatment and no TEAS was applied on them. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The number of mature oocytes, normally fertilized oocytes and good-quality embryos were used to evaluate oocyte developmental competence of the patients. Data of clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), and live birth rate (LBR) were also obtained. The levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), transforming growth factor alpha and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the follicular fluids were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS No significant differences were found between the control, TEAS-2Hz, TEAS-100Hz and TEAS-2/100Hz groups on the numbers of metaphase II oocytes, normally fertilized zygotes, early cleavage embryos or good quality embryos (P > .05). However, the CPR, IR and LBR of the TEAS-2/100Hz group were significantly higher than those of the other groups, respectively (P < .05). The NPY levels in the follicular fluids of TEAS-2/100Hz group were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION TEAS using a frequency of 2/100Hz could help to improve the IVF outcomes partly by increasing NPY levels in the follicular fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Qu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute for Women's Health, University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fang-Fang Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jue Zhou
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - Paul J Hardiman
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jie-Xue Pan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Jing He
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Hang Zhu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Han-Zhi Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Qun Ye
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ke-Lin He
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Cui
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong-Li Zhao
- Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying-Hui Ye
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2016; 295:543-558. [PMID: 27995371 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-016-4255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Controversial results have been reported concerning the effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The current review was conducted to systematically review published studies of the effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. METHODS Women undergoing IVF in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were evaluated for the effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. The treatment groups involved traditional, electrical, laser, auricular, and other acupuncture techniques. The control groups consisted of no, sham, and placebo acupuncture. The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. The pregnancy outcomes data are expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on a fixed model or random model depending on the heterogeneity determined by the Q test and I2 statistic. The major outcomes were biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR). Heterogeneity of the therapeutic effect was evaluated by a forest plot analysis, and publication bias was assessed by a funnel plot analysis. RESULTS Thirty trials (a total of 6344 participants) were included in this review. CPR data showed a significant difference between the acupuncture and control groups (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06-1.50, p = 0.01), but there was significant statistical heterogeneity among the studies (p = 0.0002). When the studies were restricted to Asian or non-Asian area trials with a sensitivity analysis, the results significantly benefited the CPR in Asian group (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04-2.20, p = 0.03). Based on the area subgroup analysis, we found that in the Asian group, the IVF outcomes from the EA groups were all significantly higher than those from the control groups (CPR: OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.20-2.72, p = 0.005; BPR: OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.12-3.02, p = 0.02; LBR: OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.44-3.88, p = 0.0007; OPR: OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.03-3.64, p = 0.04). Meanwhile, compared with other acupuncture time, the IVF outcome results were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was conducted during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) (CPR: OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.27-2.29, p = 0.0004; LBR: OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.54-3.78, p = 0.0001; BPR: OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.02-2.20, p = 0.04; OPR: OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.06-3.34, p = 0.03). However, when acupuncture was conducted at the time of embryo transfer, the BPR and OPR from the acupuncture groups were significantly lower than those of the controls in the Asian group (BPR: OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.92, p = 0.01; OPR: OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49-0.96, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Based on an analysis of the studies, acupuncture improves the CPR among women undergoing IVF. When the studies were restricted to Asian or non-Asian area patients, compared with traditional acupuncture and other methods, electrical acupuncture yielded better IVF outcomes. Optimal positive effects could be expected using acupuncture in IVF during COH, especially in Asian area. However, as a limitation of this review, most of the included studies did not mention the number of embryos transferred.
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Xia JF, Inagaki Y, Zhang JF, Wang L, Song PP. Chinese medicine as complementary therapy for female infertility. Chin J Integr Med 2016; 23:245-252. [PMID: 27484764 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-016-2510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chinese medicine (CM) has been used in clinical treatment for thousands of years in China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. CM is at present attracting many attentions around the world for reproductive health care and disease prevention, including treatment of female infertility. This review focuses on the CM treatment for female infertility patients, and supplies a summary on the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of some Chinese herbal medicines, herbal medicine-derived active compounds, and acupuncture. A large number of researches have reported that CM could alleviate or even cure female infertility by regulating hormone, improving reproductive outcome of in vivo fertilization, affecting embryonic implantation, curing polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, relieving mental stress, and regulating immune system. Meanwhile, a few studies claimed that there was little adverse reaction of CM in randomized controlled trials. However, up to present there is a lack of adequate evidences with molecular mechanistic researches and randomized controlled trials to prove the CM as an effective and safe treatment for infertility. Thus, utility of CM as a complementary medicine will be a feasible method to improve the outcome of female infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Feng Xia
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Inagaki
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Jian-Feng Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital & Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Mordern Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital & Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Mordern Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Pei-Pei Song
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, 227-8561, Japan.
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Zheng Y, Feng X, Mi H, Yao Y, Zhao Y, Li J, Jiao J, Gong A, Sun W, Deng X. Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on ovarian reserve of patients with diminished ovarian reserve in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2015; 41:1905-11. [PMID: 26455718 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on ovarian reserve in patients with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 240 patients were randomly divided into the Han's acupoint nerve stimulator TEAS treatment (TES), comforting false Han's placebo (FHP), artificial endometrial cycle treatment (AEC), and control (CON) groups. RESULTS Fifty-six patients in TES, 56 in FHP, 54 in AEC, and 60 in CON fulfilled the study, respectively. Antral follicle count and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were increased, whereas the estradiol level, follicle-stimulating hormone level, and follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone ratio were significantly decreased after treatment in the TES and AEC groups. After treatment, the number of oocytes retrieved and average number of embryos transferred were higher in the TES and AEC than in the CON and FHP groups. Clinical pregnancy rate in the TES group was markedly higher than values obtained for the other three groups. CONCLUSION TEAS and AEC treatments could improve basal endocrine levels in patients, and increase the number of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos. TEAS treatment could improve the clinical pregnancy rate in patients with decreased ovarian reserve during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, China.,Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Xiaojun Feng
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Hui Mi
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Ailing Gong
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Xiaohui Deng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
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Anesthesia Related Toxic Effects on In Vitro Fertilization Outcome: Burden of Proof. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:475362. [PMID: 26161404 PMCID: PMC4486487 DOI: 10.1155/2015/475362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Management of pain and anxiety during oocyte retrieval makes anesthesia an important part of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. There are many studies investigating the influence of anesthesia on IVF success. This review article provides an overview of published data regarding the potential toxic effects of different anesthetic techniques (Loco-regional, general anesthesia (GA), and monitored anesthesia care (MAC)), different anesthetic agents, and alternative medicine approach (principally acupuncture) on the IVF outcome. From our analysis, evidence of serious toxicity in humans is not well established. Trials regarding different anesthetic techniques ended up without clear conclusions. Studies about GA came up with conflicting results. A few trials relate GA with lower pregnancy rates, although some others failed to prove this conclusion. Furthermore, detectable amounts of some anesthetic agents are measurable in the follicular fluid but these findings are not strongly associated with toxicity. MAC and Loco-regional anesthesia appear as safe alternative choices and there is evidence of improved outcome. Whereas acupuncture may provide assistance increasing IVF success according to some trials, some others could not obtain these effects. Questions about the appropriate time of application and the underlying mechanism of action are not answered yet, so further investigation should be done.
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Hullender Rubin LE, Opsahl MS, Wiemer KE, Mist SD, Caughey AB. Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 30:602-12. [PMID: 25911598 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Patients undergoing IVF may receive either acupuncture or whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine (WS-TCM) as an adjuvant IVF treatment. WS-TCM is a complex intervention that can include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary, lifestyle recommendations. In this retrospective cohort study, 1231 IVF patient records were reviewed to assess the effect of adjuvant WS-TCM on IVF outcomes compared among three groups: IVF with no additional treatment; IVF and elective acupuncture on day of embryo transfer; or IVF and elective WS-TCM. The primary outcome was live birth. Of 1069 non-donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth compared with IVF alone (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36 to 3.21), or embryo transfer with acupuncture only (AOR 1.62; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.52). Of 162 donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with increased live births compared with all groups (odds Ratio [OR] 3.72; 95% CI 1.05 to 13.24, unadjusted) or embryo transfer with acupuncture only (OR 4.09; 95% CI: 1.02 to 16.38, unadjusted). Overall, IVF with adjuvant WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth in donor and non-donor cycles. These results should be taken cautiously as more rigorous research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee E Hullender Rubin
- Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, 75 NW Couch St, Portland, OR, 97210, USA; Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Portland Acupuncture Studio, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Michael S Opsahl
- Poma Fertility, Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences, Kirkland, WA, USA
| | - Klaus E Wiemer
- Poma Fertility, Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences, Kirkland, WA, USA
| | - Scott D Mist
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Traditionelle chinesische Medizin in der Reproduktionsmedizin. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-013-0603-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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LI J, CUI W, SUN W, WEN J. Effect of electroacupuncture on egg quality and tumor necrosis factor -α of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s1003-5257(15)60003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Nandi A, Shah A, Gudi A, Homburg R. Acupuncture in IVF: A review of current literature. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2014; 34:555-61. [DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2014.919997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Shen C, Wu M, Shu D, Zhao X, Gao Y. The Role of Acupuncture in in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2014; 79:1-12. [DOI: 10.1159/000362231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zheng CH, Zhang J, Wu J, Zhang MM. The effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2014; 15:162. [PMID: 24886647 PMCID: PMC4020380 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The latest meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture improves pregnancy rates among women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and surface acupoint stimulation, such as transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), may have the same or better potential. Methods/Design To explore the effect of TEAS on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) compared with real acupuncture and controls in women undergoing IVF, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial will be conducted. The inclusion criteria are the following: infertile women <40 years of age undergoing a fresh IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle, and the study will be restricted to women with the potential for a lower success rate as defined by two or more previous unsuccessful ETs (fresh or frozen). Those who have severe illnesses possibly precluding IVF or pregnancy, have FSH levels greater than 20 IU/L, received donor eggs, had been previously randomized for this study or had undergone acupuncture (in any modality) as infertility treatment will be excluded. The subjects will be randomly assigned to the TEAS group (IVF + TEAS), the electro-acupuncture (EA) group (IVF + EA), or the control group (only IVF). A total sample size of 2,220 women is required to detect differences in CPR among the three groups. TEAS or EA treatments will start once every two or three days from day 3 of menstruation in the ovarian stimulation cycle until the day of ET. The parameters of TEAS or EA will be the following: a frequency of 2/100 Hz, a moderate electrical current of 3 to 5 mA for TEAS and 0.8 to 1.0 mA for EA. The primary outcome is CPR. Secondary outcomes are LBR, the number of oocytes aspirated and the total gonadotropin dose used in the stimulation cycle. Discussion This study will provide significant evidence for using a new method (TEAS) in IVF. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govID: NCT01608048 (05/24/2012).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Hong Zheng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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Tan S, Dieterle S, Pechlavanis S, Janssen OE, Fuhrer D. Thyroid autoantibodies per se do not impair intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome in euthyroid healthy women. Eur J Endocrinol 2014; 170:495-500. [PMID: 24394727 DOI: 10.1530/eje-13-0790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in subfertile women with spontaneous and assisted reproductive technology-induced pregnancies. The underlying pathophysiology is still elusive and an association with thyroid dysfunction or other infertility causes is discussed. However, whether thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) per se has a negative impact on female fertility has not yet been clarified. In this study, we investigated whether TAI in healthy women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for male infertility may affect pregnancy outcome. DESIGN A retrospective, single-centre study. METHODS THE ICSI OUTCOME DATA OBTAINED FROM 835 EUTHYROID WOMEN (AGE: 31.4±4.3 years, BMI: 23.7±4.2 kg/m(2)) were correlated with pre-ICSI TAI status. The known causes of female subfertility were excluded. Outcome parameters included rates of pregnancy, birth, miscarriage and preterm delivery. Blood analysis was carried out retrospectively using blood samples drawn before ICSI. TAI was defined by elevation of anti-thyroperoxidase- or anti-thyroglobulin-antibodies >100 U/l. RESULTS TAI-POSITIVE AND -NEGATIVE GROUPS DID NOT DIFFER IN AGE, BMI OR TSH LEVELS. TAI STATUS DID NOT INFLUENCE ANY ICSI OUTCOME PARAMETERS. IN CONTRAST, INCREASING MATERNAL AGE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY CORRELATED WITH LOWER PREGNANCY RATE (ODDS RATIO (OR): 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91-0.97); P=0.0003) and birth rate (OR: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.09-0.97); P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that TAI per se does not influence ICSI outcome. A strict definition of AITD and TAI and consideration of TAI-associated and -independent confounders are important to further elucidate the interplay between TAI and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Tan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Division of Laboratory Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
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Zhang Y, Fu Y, Han F, Kuang H, Hu M, Wu X. The effect of complementary and alternative medicine on subfertile women with in vitro fertilization. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2014; 2014:419425. [PMID: 24527047 PMCID: PMC3914344 DOI: 10.1155/2014/419425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
About 10-15% of couples have difficulty conceiving at some point in their reproductive lives and thus have to seek specialist fertility care. One of the most commonly used treatment options is in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its related expansions. Despite many recent technological advances, the average IVF live birth rate per single initiated cycle is still only 30%. Consequently, there is a need to find new therapies to promote the efficiency of the procedure. Many patients have turned to complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments as an adjuvant therapy to improve their chances of success when they undergo IVF treatment. At present, several CAM methods have been used in infertile couples with IVF, which has achieved obvious effects. However, biologically plausible mechanisms of the action of CAM for IVF have not been systematically reviewed. This review briefly summarizes the current progress of the impact of CAM on the outcomes of IVF and introduces the mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
- Center for Post-Doctoral Studies, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yiman Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Fengjuan Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hongying Kuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
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Pastuszek E, Liss J, Kulwikowska P, Wiśniewska J, Łukaszuk K. Influence of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.poamed.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture is commonly undertaken during an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle although its role in improving live birth and pregnancy rates is unclear. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to ART cycles for male and female subfertility. SEARCH METHODS All reports which described randomised controlled trials of acupuncture in assisted conception were obtained through searches of the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature), AMED , www.clinicaltrials.gov (all from inception to July 2013), National Research Register, and the Chinese clinical trial database (all to November 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of acupuncture for couples who were undergoing ART, comparing acupuncture treatment alone or acupuncture with concurrent ART versus no treatment, placebo or sham acupuncture plus ART for the treatment of primary and secondary infertility. Women with medical illness that was deemed to contraindicate ART or acupuncture were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Twenty randomised controlled trials were included in the review and nine were excluded. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two review authors. Meta-analysis was performed using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The outcome measures were live birth rate, clinical ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and any reported side effects of treatment. The quality of the evidence for the primary outcome (live birth) was rated using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS This updated meta-analysis showed no evidence of overall benefit of acupuncture for improving live birth rate (LBR) regardless of whether acupuncture was performed around the time of oocyte retrieval (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.29, 2 studies, n = 464, I(2) = 0%, low quality evidence) or around the day of embryo transfer (ET) (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.70, 8 studies, n = 2505, I(2) = 69%, low quality evidence). There was no evidence that acupuncture had any effect on pregnancy or miscarriage rates, or had significant side effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence that acupuncture improves live birth or pregnancy rates in assisted conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying C Cheong
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Hullender Rubin LE, Opsahl MS, Taylor-Swanson L, Ackerman DL. Acupuncture and in vitro fertilization: a retrospective chart review. J Altern Complement Med 2013; 19:637-43. [PMID: 23363307 PMCID: PMC3700457 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2007, Craig et al. reported the results of a randomized controlled trial in which a standardized acupuncture protocol performed on the day of embryo transfer (ET) resulted in lower pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Between 2005 and 2007, the Craig protocol was used by one of the authors (LHR) at an infertility clinic unaffiliated with the Craig et al. trial. The objective was to retrospectively review clinic records to evaluate the effect of the Craig protocol in both donor and nondonor IVF cycles on four outcomes: (1) live births; (2) biochemical pregnancies; (3) adverse outcomes; and (4) live births in nondonor cycles across age groups established by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. DESIGN The study design was a retrospective chart review. SETTING The study was conducted at a private infertility clinic. PATIENT(S) Patients underwent fresh, donor (N=70) or nondonor (N=402) IVF-ET. INTERVENTION(S) The Craig protocol included the following points before ET: GV-20, CV-6, ST-29, SP-8, PC-6, LV-3; Shenmen and Brain on the left ear; and Uterus and Endocrine on the right ear. After transfer the points were LI-4, SP-10, ST-36, SP-6, KI-3; Uterus and Endocrine on the left ear; and Shenmen and Brain on the right ear. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Live births (LB) beyond 24 weeks' gestation was the main outcome measure. RESULT(S) In nondonor IVF cycles, there were no differences in LB across age groups (odds ratio [OR]=1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-1.57), biochemical pregnancies (OR=0.60, 95% CI 0.27-1.33), or adverse outcomes (OR=0.63, 95% CI 0.31-1.26). In donor cycles, LB were higher in the acupuncture group (relative risk=1.31, 95% CI 1.02-1.71). CONCLUSIONS In this observational study, the Craig protocol was not found to lower IVF LB. In fact, the Craig protocol was associated with higher LB in donor cycles. These findings should be considered cautiously because more adequately powered, randomized research is needed.
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Manheimer E, van der Windt D, Cheng K, Stafford K, Liu J, Tierney J, Lao L, Berman BM, Langenberg P, Bouter LM. The effects of acupuncture on rates of clinical pregnancy among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19:696-713. [PMID: 23814102 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent systematic reviews of adjuvant acupuncture for IVF have pooled heterogeneous trials, without examining variables that might explain the heterogeneity. The aims of our meta-analysis were to quantify the overall pooled effects of adjuvant acupuncture on IVF clinical pregnancy success rates, and evaluate whether study design-, treatment- and population-related factors influence effect estimates. METHODS We included randomized controlled trials that compared needle acupuncture administered within 1 day of embryo transfer, versus sham acupuncture or no adjuvant treatment. Our primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rates. We obtained from all investigators additional methodological details and outcome data not included in their original publications. We analysed sham-controlled and no adjuvant treatment-controlled trials separately, but since there were no large or significant differences between these two subsets, we pooled all trials for subgroup analyses. We prespecified 11 subgroup variables (5 clinical and 6 methodological) to investigate sources of heterogeneity, using single covariate meta-regressions. RESULTS Sixteen trials (4021 participants) were included in the meta-analyses. There was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and controls when combining all trials [risk ratio (RR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.96-1.31; I(2) = 68%; 16 trials; 4021 participants], or when restricting to sham-controlled (RR 1.02, 0.83-1.26; I(2) = 66%; 7 trials; 2044 participants) or no adjuvant treatment-controlled trials (RR 1.22, 0.97-1.52; I(2) = 67%; 9 trials; 1977 participants). The type of control used did not significantly explain the statistical heterogeneity (interaction P = 0.27). Baseline pregnancy rate, measured as the observed rate of clinical pregnancy in the control group of each trial, was a statistically significant effect modifier (interaction P < 0.001), and this covariate explained most of the heterogeneity of the effects of adjuvant acupuncture across all trials (adjusted R(2) = 93%; I(2) residual = 9%). Trials with lower control group rates of clinical pregnancy showed larger effects of adjuvant acupuncture (RR 1.53, 1.28-1.84; 7 trials; 1732 participants) than trials with higher control group rates of clinical pregnancy (RR 0.90, 0.80-1.01; 9 trials; 2289 participants). The asymmetric funnel plot showed a tendency for the intervention effects to be more beneficial in smaller trials. CONCLUSIONS We found no pooled benefit of adjuvant acupuncture for IVF. The subgroup finding of a benefit in trials with lower, but not higher, baseline pregnancy rates (the only statistically significant subgroup finding in our earlier review) has been confirmed in this update, and was not explained by any confounding variables evaluated. However, this baseline pregnancy rate subgroup finding among published trials requires further confirmation and exploration in additional studies because of the multiple subgroup tests conducted, the risk of unidentified confounders, the multiple different factors that determine baseline rates, and the possibility of publication bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Manheimer
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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A systematic review of the evidence for complementary and alternative medicine in infertility. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2013; 122:202-6. [PMID: 23796256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients and physicians has increased markedly in recent years. Many case reports, case series, and uncontrolled trials of varying quality have been completed; however, there is now a slowly increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the use of CAM. OBJECTIVES To identify, survey, and review RCTs investigating the use of CAM for infertility treatment. SEARCH STRATEGY The MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were electronically searched. SELECTION CRITERIA RCTs examining modalities for treatment or improvement of health status were reviewed. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS RCTs were included based on use of objective measures, articles written in English, availability through the University of Michigan database, and clear published clinical outcomes. MAIN RESULTS Thirty-seven articles assessing a variety of CAM modalities met inclusion criteria. Acupuncture, selenium supplementation, weight loss, and psychotherapeutic intervention had 3 or more studies demonstrating beneficial effect. Other interventions had been studied less and evidence for them was limited. CONCLUSIONS Although there is preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of some CAM interventions among infertile patients, many of these interventions require further investigation before they can be considered for routine clinical use.
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He W, Tong Y, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Ben H, Qin Q, Huang F, Rong P. Review of controlled clinical trials on acupuncture versus sham acupuncture in Germany. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2013; 33:403-7. [DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(13)60187-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Achieve Fertility in Uninsured Patients. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2013; 68:305-11. [DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0b013e318286f780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Villahermosa DIMD, Santos LGD, Nogueira MB, Vilarino FL, Barbosa CP. Influence of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation when embryo implantation has failed: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial. Acupunct Med 2013; 31:157-61. [PMID: 23512550 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion as an adjuvant treatment in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) when embryo implantation has failed. METHODS A prospective, randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 84 infertile patients who had had at least two unsuccessful attempts of IVF. The patients were randomised in three groups: control (n=28), sham (n=28) and acupuncture (n=28). The sample size was calculated by assuming a pregnancy rate of 10% when embryo implantation had failed. The pregnancy rates of the current IVF cycle were evaluated by measurement of blood β human chorionic gonadotrophin (βhCG) and subsequent transvaginal ultrasound. Acupuncture was performed on the first and seventh day of ovulation induction, on the day before ovarian puncture and on the day after embryo transfer. In the acupuncture group, patients were treated with moxibustion at nine acupuncture points (BL18, BL22, BL23, BL52, CV3, CV4, CV5, CV7, GV4) and needling at 12 points. In the sham group needles were inserted in eight areas that did not correspond to known acupuncture points. RESULTS The clinical pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control and sham groups (35.7% vs 7.1% vs 10.7%; p=0.0169). CONCLUSIONS In this study, acupuncture and moxibustion increased pregnancy rates when used as an adjuvant treatment in women undergoing IVF, when embryo implantation had failed.
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