Electric Acupuncture for ICU-acquired Weakness in Mechanical Ventilation Patients

Phase 1 Study of Electric Acupuncture for ICU-acquired Weakness in Mechanical Ventilation Patients With Sepsis/Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is common and dramatically affect recovery. The purpose of this study is to determine whether electric acupuncture therapy is effective in the treatment of ICU-AW especially in the patients receiving mechanical ventilation with sepsis or multiorgan system failure.

The principle of acupuncture is to produce bioelectric current, as a consequence, to invigorate the circulation, promote tissue regeneration, relieve pain, enhance the immune function, etc. And electric acupuncture can stimulate bioelectricity activities at acupoints, out of reach for ordinary acupuncture effect, especially in the fields of nerve/muscle recovery and regeneration.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of sepsis or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
• Within 48 hours from the initiation of mechanical ventilation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant patients
• Neuromuscular disease or cerebrovascular accident
• With temporary or permanent pacemaker
• Need to use neuromuscular blocking agents
• Inactivity for more than 5 days before ICU admission