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Biomedical subjects

Richard C Niemtzow

Publications and source records attributed to Richard C Niemtzow.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

A prospective, randomized pilot trial of acupuncture of the kidney-bladder distinct meridian for lower urinary tract symptoms.

PURPOSE: We performed a pilot trial to assess the response of lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate specific antigen (PSA) to acupuncture in a population of patients biopsy negative for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 study groups, including observation for 3 months with 6 blood samples for PSA at set intervals, 9 sessions of acupuncture in 3 months to points of the kidney-bladder distinct meridian expected to treat the prostate with 6 blood samples for PSA at set intervals and 9 sessions of acupuncture in 3 months to points not expected to treat the prostate with 6 blood samples for PSA at set intervals. The effect of acupuncture on lower urinary tract symptoms was assessed monthly using the International Prostate Symptom Score. RESULTS: Trend analysis (repeated measures ANOVA) revealed no significant changes in the 3-month period in the randomized arms. Statistical analysis showed p = 0.063 for the International Prostate Symptom Score, p = 0.945 for PSA and p = 0.37 for the free-to-total PSA ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture to the kidney-bladder distinct meridian neither relieves lower urinary tract symptoms nor impacts PSA.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2002

Acupuncture for xerostomia: clinical update.

BACKGROUND: In the authors' clinic, patients with xerostomia after radiation therapy for malignancy have been offered acupuncture as potential palliation of their symptoms since November 1999. Preliminary data revealed that many patients achieve relief, even for symptoms refractory to pilocarpine therapy. METHODS: Acupuncture technique has been refined since the authors' previous publication. Originally described as a two-step process, a single treatment with eight needles is now used. Three points are treated in each ear, and one in the radial aspect of each index finger. Patients are also provided a sugar-free lozenge in the mouth to further stimulate salivation. Response is measured by the xerostomia inventory (XI). RESULTS: Fifty patients have undergone 318 treatments (median, 5; range, 2-15 treatments). Median follow-up since the first treatment is 224 days (range, 9-455 days). Median palliation as described by the XI was 9 points (range, 0-25 points). Response (defined as improvement of 10% or better over baseline XI values) occurred in 35 patients (70%). Twenty-four patients (48%) have received benefit of 10 points or greater on the XI. Duration of effect for 13 patients (26%) has exceeded 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture palliates xerostomia for many patients. A regimen of three to four weekly treatments followed by monthly sessions is now recommended, although some patients achieve lasting response without further therapy.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2002

Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture: the STRICTA recommendations.

Acupuncture treatment and control group interventions in parallel-group randomized trials of acupuncture are not always precisely reported. In an attempt to improve standards, an international group of experienced acupuncturists and researchers devised a set of recommendations, designating them STRICTA: STandards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture. In a further consensus-building round, the editors of several journals helped redraft the recommendations. These follow the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) format, acting as an extension of the CONSORT guidelines for the specific requirements of acupuncture studies. Participating journals are publishing the STRICTA recommendations and requesting prospective authors to adhere to them when preparing reports for publication. Other journals are invited to adopt these recommendations. The intended outcome is that interventions in controlled trials of acupuncture will be more adequately reported, thereby facilitating an improvement in critical appraisal, analysis and replication of trials.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2002

Integration of acupuncture into the oncology clinic.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Patients with cancer or symptoms referable to cancer therapy were offered acupuncture as potential palliation of their symptoms. This paper describes the physical integration of the discipline into the Oncology Clinic, and patient perspectives on its availability and efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 1999 and May 2000, 123 patients with varying symptoms received acupuncture in our Center's Radiation and Medical Oncology Clinics and Breast Health Center. These patients had 823 visits during this time period. A practice outcome analysis was performed on patients receiving therapy between 1 January 2000 and 30 April 2000. The 89 patients treated during this interval had 444 total visits. In June and July 2000, a questionnaire was administered by phone to 79 of these patients (89%). Standard allopathic care continued while patients were receiving acupuncture. RESULTS: Major reasons for referral included pain (53%), xerostomia (32%), hot flashes (6%) and nausea/loss of appetite (6%). Patients had a mean of five acupuncture visits (range 1-9). Most patients (60%) showed at least 30% improvement in their symptoms. About one-third of patients had no change in severity of symptoms. There were no untoward effects reported related to the acupuncture. When analysed by diagnosis, these values persist. Irrespective of response to therapy, 86% of respondents considered it 'very important' that we continue to provide acupuncture services. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may contribute to control of symptoms for cancer patients. Expansion of providers, continued patient follow-up, optimization of techniques and prospective objective measurement of response continue in our clinic.

Acupuncture Therapy↗