OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of acupuncture on blood oxygen saturation in the patient of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in sleeping and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on this disease.

METHODSThirty cases with OSAHS were treated with acupuncture at Shanglianquan (Extra), Fengfu (GV 16), Yamen (GV 15), Fengchi (GB 20), etc. 3-5 sessions each week. After treatment of 30 sessions, apneahypopnea index (AHI), mean blood oxygen saturation (MSaO2), the lowest blood oxygen saturation (LSaO2), oxygen desaturation > or = 4% index (ODI4), the mean blood oxygen saturation of oxygen desaturation when SaO2 < 90%, the longest time of oxygen saturation > or = 4% were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe effective rate of acupuncture was 23.3% for OSAHS. After acupuncture, AHI and ODI4 significantly reduced (P < 0.01); LSaO2 significantly increased (P < 0.01); MSaO2 and the mean blood oxygen saturation of oxygen desaturation when SaO2 < 90% significantly enhanced (P < 0.05); the longest time of oxygen saturation > or = 4% did not significantly change.

CONCLUSIONThe acupuncture treatment has intervenient effect on OSAHS and alleviates anoxia, so acupuncture is one of therapies improving anoxia in patients of OSAHS.