Feasibility and Safety of Acupuncture for Systemic Lupus

Feasibility and Safety of Acupuncture for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether acupuncture is safe and acceptable to people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Twenty-four SLE patients were assigned randomly to receive either 10 sessions of acupuncture, 10 sessions of a minimal-needling control intervention, or their usual medical care alone. It was hypothesized that acupuncture would be safe for people with SLE, and that participants would be able to complete their assigned treatment within 5 to 6 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with SLE, 18 years old or older, pain duration at least 3 times per week for at least 3 months, medications and doses stable for the past month, able to speak, read, and understand English, and provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• known pregnancy, active uncontrolled organ involvement, steroid dose greater than 10 mg per day, platelets < 100,000, previous course of acupuncture treatment.