Non-pharmaceutical Chinese Medical Therapies for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Yi-Xuan Xie, Ya-Nan Sun, Chang-He Yu
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In 30 seconds
This umbrella review evaluated the efficacy and safety of non-pharmaceutical Chinese medical therapies (NPCT) for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) through systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. The analysis included 22 reviews, revealing that acupuncture significantly decreased the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis score (MD, -1.32; 95% CI, -1.69 to -0.95) with moderate evidence.
Key findings
- Acupuncture significantly decreased the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis score (MD, -1.32; 95% CI, -1.69 to -0.95).
- Acupuncture increased the rate of negative urinary ketone bodies (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.53).
- Moderate evidence indicated acupuncture reduced anxiety scores (MD, 0.78; 95% CI, -1.13 to 2.6).
- Moderate evidence showed acupuncture reduced depression scores (MD, 0.20; 95% CI, -2.05 to 2.46).
Why it matters
Understanding the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions like acupuncture for managing NVP is crucial, especially given the concerns regarding the safety of pharmacological treatments during pregnancy. This knowledge can guide clinicians in offering safer alternatives to their patients.
What to keep in mind
The overall quality and certainty of evidence were limited, with many studies rated low or very low quality.