Effects of electroacupuncture on early enteral nutrition tolerance and autonomic nerve activity in patients with acute pancreatitis.
10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250407-k0004
- Author:
Dong CHEN
1
;
Yingxin LI
2
;
Shipeng ZHU
3
;
Mengqian YUAN
1
;
Yanxia GENG
4
;
Luyao ZHANG
5
;
Xiaoyang LIAN
1
;
Guanwen GONG
6
Author Information
1. Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
2. First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
3. School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
4. Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
5. Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
6. Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords:
acute pancreatitis;
autonomic nerve;
electroacupuncture;
enteral nutrition tolerance;
randomized controlled trial (RCT)
- MeSH:
Humans;
Electroacupuncture;
Male;
Female;
Enteral Nutrition;
Middle Aged;
Adult;
Pancreatitis/physiopathology*;
Aged;
Acupuncture Points;
Young Adult;
Acute Disease/therapy*;
Autonomic Pathways/physiopathology*
- From:
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion
2025;45(11):1549-1555
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in improving early enteral nutrition tolerance in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) under the concept of accelerated rehabilitation, and to explore the related mechanism based on the changes in autonomic nerve characteristics.
METHODS:A total of 42 patients with AP were randomized into an observation group (21 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (21 cases, 1 case dropped out). The control group received standard basic treatment for AP. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, EA was applied in the observation group, bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Yixian point (Extra), Tianshu (ST25), Neiguan (PC6) and Zhongwan (CV12) were selected as the main points, and the supplementary points were selected according to syndrome differentiation. Ipsilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Yixian point (Extra) were connected to EA, using discontinuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz, 30 min a time, once a day for 6 continuous days. The enteral nutrition tolerance score was observed before treatment and after 3 and 5 days of treatment; the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for abdominal pain was observed before treatment and after 3 days of treatment; the time of reaching the feeding goal and hospital stay was recorded; the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and amylase were measured before treatment and after 5 days of treatment; the heart rate variability (HRV) indexes (standard deviation of NN intervals [SDNN], average standard deviation of NN intervals [SDANN], root mean square of successive NN interval differences [rMSSD], low frequency [LF] and high frequency [HF], ratio of low frequency to high frequency [LF/HF]) were monitored in the two groups.
RESULTS:After 3 and 5 days of treatment, the enteral nutrition tolerance scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the reductions in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.01). After 3 days of treatment, the VAS scores for abdominal pain were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the reduction in the observation group was larger than that in the control group (P<0.01). The time of reaching the feeding goal and hospital stay in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). After 5 days of treatment, the CRP and amylase levels were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the reduction of CRP level in the observation group was larger than that in the control group (P<0.01). In the observation group, SDNN, SDANN and LF/HF were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while rMSSD was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). SDNN, SDANN and LF/HF were positively correlated with the enteral nutrition tolerance scores after 3 and 5 days of treatment (P<0.05), while rMSSD was negatively correlated with the enteral nutrition tolerance scores after 3 and 5 days of treatment (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION:Electroacupuncture can improve enteral nutrition tolerance in patients with AP by regulating autonomic nervous function, alleviating the inflammation, promoting accelerated recovery, and reducing the length of hospital stay.
