Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Is Acupuncture An Effective Treatment For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?, Sherri A. Kowalczuk

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupuncture is an effective treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, one published in 2007 and two of which were published in 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized controlled trials investigating the use of acupuncture for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Sources were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured include the severity of pain from DPN, blood glucose control, and effects on quality of life such as sleep, mood states, and gain or loss …

Is Acupuncture Effective In Reducing Itch Intensity And Wheal Size In Patients With Dermatologic Conditions?, Melanie Schwer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether acupuncture is effective in reducing itch intensity and wheal size in patients with dermatologic conditions.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of all English language primary randomized controlled trials published after 1984

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were found using Pubmed database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The three trials measured various outcomes: Visual Analog Scale (VAS); Eppendorf Itch Questionnaire; Cumulative Itch Index; Perimeter of wheal and flare size before, during, & after acupuncture; Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)

RESULTS: Belgrade et al. found statistically significant improvement in itch intensity and flare …