Using acu-TENS to reduce pain during ultrasound-guided manual vacuum aspiration

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of acu-TENS, a form of acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, as an adjunct analgesic for women undergoing ultrasound-guided manual vacuum aspiration (USG-MVA) due to early pregnancy loss. The study will randomly assign participants to receive either acu-TENS or a sham treatment to assess pain levels during the procedure. A total of 108 women will be recruited, and their pain will be measured using heart rate variability before and after the procedure. The trial will be conducted at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 or above;
2. Patient diagnosed with first-trimester miscarriage, who is eligible for USG-MVA;
3. Patient diagnosed with incomplete miscarriage after medical treatment;
4. Willing to be randomized to receive acupuncture.

Exclusion criteria

a. Patient not eligible for USG-MVA i. Miscarriage \> 12 weeks of gestation; or ii. Pregnancy of unknown origin; or iii. Known narrowing of the cervical canal; or iv. Multiple uterine fibroids; or v. Congenital uterine anomalies; or vi. Active pelvic infection; or vii. Bleeding disorder; or viii. Inability to tolerate pelvic examination; or ix. History of allergy to misoprostol

b. Patient not eligible for acu-TENS i. Poor skin integrity at the acupuncture site, such as open wound, infections, unknown mass, bleeding tendency; or ii. Allergic to external alcohol; or iii. Emotionally unstable or tend to restlessness (to avoid tear-off of pads).

c. Patient refusal

Where it's running

• Prince of Wales Hospital
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.