Effects of electroacupuncture combined with clean intermittent catheterization on urinary retention after spinal cord injury: a single blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Int J Clin Exp Med, 2015 · DOI: · Published: October 30, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how electroacupuncture (EA) combined with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) affects urinary retention caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal was to see if this combination therapy could help patients regain bladder control and reduce complications. The researchers divided 107 patients into three groups: one receiving only CIC, one receiving EA combined with CIC, and one receiving sham acupuncture combined with CIC. They then compared the outcomes, such as residual urine volume and frequency of catheterization, among the groups. The study found that EA combined with CIC was more effective than CIC alone or sham acupuncture with CIC. Specifically, it helped reduce residual urine volume, decrease the frequency of CIC, increase voided volume, and promote bladder balance in patients with SCI-induced urinary retention.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

107 patients with SCI induced urinary retention

Evidence Level

Level 2: Randomized controlled clinical trial

Key Findings

1
Patients treated with EA combined with CIC had a significantly higher rate of achieving bladder balance compared to those treated with CIC alone or sham acupuncture combined with CIC.
2
The frequency of CIC was significantly lower in the group treated with EA combined with CIC, indicating a reduced need for catheterization.
3
Treatment with EA combined with CIC resulted in a significant reduction in residual urine volume and an increase in voided volume after both 1 and 3 months, demonstrating improved bladder function.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on spinal cord injury (SCI) induced urinary retention. The results showed that EA combined with CIC was more effective than CIC alone or sham acupuncture combined with CIC in reducing residual urine volume, decreasing the frequency of CIC, increasing voided volume, and promoting bladder balance. The study concludes that EA combined with CIC is a valuable therapeutic approach for managing urinary retention in SCI patients, offering improved bladder function and quality of life.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Integrating EA with CIC can be considered as a more effective treatment option for urinary retention in SCI patients compared to CIC alone.

Quality of Life

Reducing the frequency of CIC through EA can significantly improve the daily life and comfort of SCI patients.

Mechanism Understanding

Further research can explore the specific neural mechanisms by which EA at BL 31-34 acupoints influences bladder function and urinary control.

Study Limitations

1
The study was a single-blind trial, which might introduce bias despite efforts to blind participants.
2
The sample size, although reasonable, could be larger to further validate the findings and explore subgroup effects.
3
The long-term effects of EA combined with CIC were not assessed, limiting the understanding of sustained benefits.

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