Systematic Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Treatment for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Yu Fei; Rui Fei; Jing Zhang; Yaoyao Sun; Qiong Yu

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.036

Authors

Yu Fei Department of Cardiology, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
Rui Fei Department of Cell Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
Jing Zhang Department of Cardiology, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
Yaoyao Sun Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
Qiong Yu Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.036

Keywords:

Atrial Fibrillation, Acupuncture, Meta-analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of arrhythmia diagnosed in clinical practice. Due to its negative effects on people's physical and mental health, it is necessary to prevent and treat AF. Recently, scholars have found that acupuncture can be used to treat AF, but some scholars have questioned its therapeutic efficacy.

AIM: Therefore, this study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for AF patients.

METHODS: Previously published research articles were retrieved from six databases, and the data was analysed using RevMan5.3 software with a statistically significant difference defined as P < 0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 8 relevant kinds of literature were retrieved containing 633 AF patients (323 in the treatment group and 310 in the control group). Acupuncture treatment increased the total efficacy and the rate of AF cardioversion to sinus rhythm (RR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.53 vs RR: 1.40;95% CI: 1.16 to 1.69; each P < 0.05), and decreased the time of AF cardioversion to sinus rhythm, the heart rate and incidence of adverse effects (RR: -3.95; 95% CI: -4.98 to -2.91 vs RR: -14.54; 95% CI: -24.09 to -5.00 vs RR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.11, each P < 0.05). There was difference between retention time more and less than 30 minutes (I2 = 74.9%, P = 0.05). The funnel plot displayed a symmetrical and funnel-form shape, indicating low bias.

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture has a good therapeutic effect and safety profile on patients with AF, and its application in clinical practice should be considered.