OBJECTIVES: Application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) is a noninvasive intervention that has recently been shown to alleviate dyspnea in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This case report aims to explore the role of Acu-TENS in patients diagnosed with COPD during the acute exacerbation. STUDY DESIGN: The study design was a case report. SETTING: The study was conducted in an inpatient setting. SUBJECT: The subject was a 74-year-old man admitted to the hospital due to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). INTERVENTION: Treatment consisted of application of TENS on EX-B1 (Dingchuan) for 45 minutes. OUTCOME MEASURES: Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and dyspnea score were measured before, immediately after, and 45 minutes after Acu-TENS intervention. Other than the physiologic measures, 10 mL of venous blood was taken from the cubital vein for assessment of β-endorphin level, white blood cell count, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level before and immediately postintervention. RESULTS: Postintervention, improved oxygen saturation, and reduction in heart rate and dyspneic sensation were observed accompanied by a raised blood β-endorphin level but the level of white blood cell count, TNF-α, and CRP remain unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Application of 45 minutes Acu-TENS appeared to alleviate symptoms in a patient with AECOPD. The role of adjunctive Acu-TENS therapy during acute exacerbation warrants further investigation.
OBJECTIVES: Application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) is a noninvasive intervention that has recently been shown to alleviate dyspnea in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This case report aims to explore the role of Acu-TENS in patients diagnosed with COPD during the acute exacerbation. STUDY DESIGN: The study design was a case report. SETTING: The study was conducted in an inpatient setting. SUBJECT: The subject was a 74-year-old man admitted to the hospital due to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). INTERVENTION: Treatment consisted of application of TENS on EX-B1 (Dingchuan) for 45 minutes. OUTCOME MEASURES: Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and dyspnea score were measured before, immediately after, and 45 minutes after Acu-TENS intervention. Other than the physiologic measures, 10 mL of venous blood was taken from the cubital vein for assessment of β-endorphin level, white blood cell count, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level before and immediately postintervention. RESULTS: Postintervention, improved oxygen saturation, and reduction in heart rate and dyspneic sensation were observed accompanied by a raised blood β-endorphin level but the level of white blood cell count, TNF-α, and CRP remain unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Application of 45 minutes Acu-TENS appeared to alleviate symptoms in a patient with AECOPD. The role of adjunctive Acu-TENS therapy during acute exacerbation warrants further investigation.
Authors: Guilherme Medeiros de Alvarenga; Humberto Remigio Gamba; Lilian Elisa Hellman; Vanusa Ganzert Ferrari; Rafael Michel de Macedo Journal: Open Respir Med J Date: 2016-02-29
Authors: Shirley P C Ngai; Lissa M Spencer; Alice Y M Jones; Jennifer A Alison Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2017-02-20 Impact factor: 2.629