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Evaluation of the efficacy of laser acupuncture on uremic pruritus: A double-blind randomized clinical trial
Ying-Hsu Juan1, Wen-Kuang Ho2, Jen-Pi Tsai3
1Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Dalin, Chiayi, 62247, Taiwan; School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Hualien City, 97004, Taiwan.
Background And Purpose:
Uremic pruritus is a common and distressing symptom among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, impairing sleep and quality of life. Conventional treatments provide limited relief. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of laser acupuncture as a complementary therapy for uremic pruritus.
Materials And Methods:
In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, sixty hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either laser acupuncture or sham laser treatment three times weekly for four weeks. Laser stimulation was applied at Quchi (LI11), Xuehai (SP10), and Baichongwo (EX-LE3). Primary outcomes were assessed using the 5-D itch scale and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Results:
The laser acupuncture group showed statistically significant improvements in the 5-D itch scale score compared with the sham group (mean difference: -6.9; 95% confidence interval: -8.4 to -5.4; p < 0.001; effect size: 1.12). Significant improvement in DLQI scores was also observed in the laser acupuncture group (p < 0.001). No adverse events or treatment-related discomfort occurred during the trial.
Conclusion:
Laser acupuncture alleviated pruritus severity and improved dermatology-related quality of life in hemodialysis patients, supporting its role as a safe complementary therapy for managing uremic pruritus.
