[Acupuncture in the combined treatment of pyelonephritis]

In the treatment of pyelonephritis which continues to cause problems in practical uronephrology, the main efforts of the clinicians are now directed at enhancement of the patients resistance, improvement of renal blood flow and urodynamics. Acupuncture (AP) is thought capable to meet the above requirements. It was used in combined treatment of 102 pyelonephritis cases (51 with acute and 51 with chronic manifestations) showing intact renal function. According to radionuclide renography, a positive trend in the secretion and urodynamics of the upper urinary tract was demonstrable in 50% of the patients. Dynamic nephroscintigraphy reported a positive response in 60% of cases versus 25% in those treated without AP. AP promotion of earlier recovery or remission, reduction of the scope of chemotherapy, good short- and long-term response permit this modality to be recommended for application in urological and nephrological practice.