Acupuncture for itching in older adults
Effects of Acupuncture for Senile Pruritus: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
This study is testing if acupuncture can help relieve itching in older adults who don’t have any skin problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Trial ID | NCT06506240 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects and safety of acupuncture in alleviating senile pruritus, a condition characterized by itching in individuals aged 60 years and older without primary skin lesions. It is a single-centre, parallel, two-arm, randomized, sham-controlled trial enrolling 108 patients who will be assigned to either an acupuncture or sham acupuncture group. Participants will undergo 18 treatment sessions over 6 weeks, with outcomes assessed weekly using a Numerical Rating Scale for itching severity. The study aims to provide insights into the efficacy of acupuncture as an alternative treatment for this condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60 to 80 years with an average itching severity score of 4 or higher on the Numerical Rating Scale.
Not a fit: Patients with severe skin damage, underlying severe diseases, or those who have received acupuncture for pruritus in the past month may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective alternative treatment for older adults suffering from debilitating itching.
How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been suggested for various conditions, the specific application for senile pruritus remains largely untested, making this a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants aged between 60 and 80 years who meet diagnostic criteria for SP, with an average severity score of itching in the past week of ≥4 points on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and who voluntarily provide written informed consent are eligible for inclusion. Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria: 1. Severe skin damage or infection; 2. Severe underlying diseases including cardiovascular diseases, hepatobiliary diseases, kidney diseases, hematologic diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, severe malnutrition, or malignancies; 3. Mental illness, cognitive dysfunction, or language disorders; 4. Received acupuncture therapy for pruritus within the past month; 5. Have a history of drug abuse.
Where this trial is running
Beijing, Beijing Municipality
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: He Chen
- Email: chenhenick@gmail.com
- Phone: +86 19927523321
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.