An adjunct intervention for management of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD)

Application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) is a noninvasive intervention that has recently been shown to alleviate dyspnea in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This case report aims to explore the role of Acu-TENS in patients diagnosed with COPD during the acute exacerbation.

The study design was a case report.

The study was conducted in an inpatient setting.

The subject was a 74-year-old man admitted to the hospital due to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD).

Treatment consisted of application of TENS on EX-B1 (Dingchuan) for 45 minutes.

Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and dyspnea score were measured before, immediately after, and 45 minutes after Acu-TENS intervention. Other than the physiologic measures, 10 mL of venous blood was taken from the cubital vein for assessment of β-endorphin level, white blood cell count, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level before and immediately postintervention.

Postintervention, improved oxygen saturation, and reduction in heart rate and dyspneic sensation were observed accompanied by a raised blood β-endorphin level but the level of white blood cell count, TNF-α, and CRP remain unchanged.

Application of 45 minutes Acu-TENS appeared to alleviate symptoms in a patient with AECOPD. The role of adjunctive Acu-TENS therapy during acute exacerbation warrants further investigation.