The effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for tinnitus: a randomized controlled trial using Tc-99m-ECD SPECT

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Laureano, Maura Regina ; Onishi, Ektor Tsuneo ; Bressan, Rodrigo Affonseca ; Braga Neto, Pedro ; Vieira Castiglioni, Mario Luiz ; Batista, Ilza Rosa ; Reis, Marilia Alves ; Garcia, Michele Vargas ; de Andrade, Adriana Neves ; Sanchez, Maura Ligia ; Moreira, Hugo Cogo ; de Almeida, Roberta Ribeiro ; Garrido, Griselda Jara ; Jackowski, Andrea Parolin

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY; v. 26, n. 9, p. 3234-3242, SEP 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Investigate the effect of acupuncture on brain perfusion using ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography (Tc-99m-ECD SPECT) in patients with tinnitus. This randomized, single-blind, sham-control study examined patients (18-60 years old) with normal hearing and chronic, idiopathic, continuous tinnitus. Fifty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to true (n = 30) or sham (n = 27) acupuncture (ACP); Tc-99m-ECD SPECT examinations were performed before and after 12 twice-weekly ACP sessions. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Imaging data were analysed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8) software. Regression models were used to examine secondary outcomes via two paradigms: intention-to-treat (ITT; where multiple imputations were conducted because of study attrition) and complete cases. No between-group brain perfusion differences were observed. However, a significant improvement in THI scores was observed at the end of true ACP treatment for all domains (all p values < 0.01) except the catastrophic scale. ACP might reduce the effects of tinnitus on daily life; however, additional studies should be conducted to verify the effects of ACP on the neural architecture and brain function of tinnitus patients. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/14804-6 - SPECT with [99mTc] ECD scans in patients with cronic tinnitus after acunpucture treatment
• Grantee: Andrea Parolin Jackowski
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants