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Acupuncture for Chronic Pain Management in Haemophilic Arthropathy: A Systematic Review
Andrea Demeco1, Marco Gusai2, Maria Francesca Masi2
1Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
Introduction:
Haemophilia is a severe hereditary bleeding disorder affecting ∼1 in 5000 males, caused by deficiencies in coagulation factors VIII or IX. Chronic pain from haemophilic arthropathy (HA), especially in target joints, reduces quality of life (HRQOL), range of motion (ROM) and daily function. While conventional treatment includes replacement therapy and rehabilitation, acupuncture has emerged as a complementary approach with potential pain-relief benefits and fewer side effects.
Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing chronic pain and improving function and quality of life in people with haemophilia (PWH).
Materials And Methods:
This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024567714). Databases searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science. PICO framework: (P) haemophilic patients, (I) acupuncture, (O) pain management. Studies on other coagulation disorders or non-acupuncture therapies were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI score.
Results:
Of 514 records (464 PubMed, 40 Scopus, 10 Web of Science), 26 duplicates were removed, and 350 titles were screened. Seven met the inclusion criteria; after quality assessment and availability check, four studies were included. A total of 37 patients (mean age 41.4 years) reported meaningful pain reduction (VAS), reduced analgesic use and improved HRQOL. No significant bleeding events were reported.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture may provide effective pain relief for haemophilic arthropathy with minimal side effects. However, larger, high-quality studies are needed to confirm its clinical benefits.
