Effect of Acupuncture on Inflammation and Immune Function After Craniotomy

Effect of Acupuncture on Inflammation and Immune Function After Craniotomy

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on inflammation and immune function after craniotomy. This study will be a single-center, parallel group clinical trial that will be conducted at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea.

For Study group, The intervention will start no more than 48 hours after craniotomy and will be given once a day for 6 days (a total of 6 sessions within 8 days). Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and intradermal acupuncture will be performed at every session.

For Control group, The subjects in the control group will only receive conventional treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must meet all of the following criteria in order to be included:

1. planning to undergo regular craniotomy performed for an unruptured aneurysm, facial spasm, or brain tumor;
2. age > 18 years;
3. acupuncture treatment that can start within 48 h after craniotomy;
4. voluntary participation and provision of signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants with any of the following conditions will be excluded:

1. serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level ≥ 1.0 mg/dl before craniotomy;
2. a condition other than an unruptured aneurysm, facial spasm, or brain tumor as an indication for craniotomy;
3. craniotomy performed for infectious brain diseases such as brain abscess or subdural empyema;
4. medication use that can affect the immune system or white blood cell (WBC) count, such as immunosuppressive drugs, steroids, or anticancer drugs or use of these medications within one month prior to the craniotomy;
5. a history of surgery at the same site;
6. emergency surgery; or
7. a severe medical disease, e.g. congestive heart failure, chronic renal failure.