Paola Nasta(1) G.P. Carosi(1) R. Favalli(2) S. Perini(2) G. Lazzaroni(2)
(1)Clinica Di Malattie Infettive, Universita Di Brescia, Spedali Civili; (2)Associazione Medici Agopuntori Di Brescia (UMAB), Brescia, Italy
Abs. 60453

Objective: We report preliminary data on evaluation of the efficacy of standardized acupuncture regimen on the relief of pain due to peripheral neuropathy in HIV patients (pts) compared to an observational group.

Methods: HIV pts with symptomatic neuropathy, demonstrated by electromiography, are enrolled. Pts are randomized to recive standardized acupuncture twice weekly for 3 paeriods of 5 weeks, or to stay in observational group. Booth groups, at the end of every periods are evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of 10 cm to asses patients perception of the effectivness on asthenia and pain.

Results: Eleven pts are enrolled in acupuncture group (Gr A), and 8 pts in observational group (Gr B). Pretreatment the mean pain intensty VAS score was 8.2 cm for Gr A; at the end of acupuncture treatment, mean VAS pain intensity was 1.6 cm (decrease of 6.6 cm) with a pain relief of 81%. In observational group, pain VAS was 7.5 cm at first visit, and 7.2 cm at last observation (decrease of 0.3 cm) with a pain relief of 4%. About asthenia in Gr A, the mean VAS intensity was 7.1 cm and post treatment 0.8 cm (decrease of 6.9 cm) with an asthenia relief of 88%. In Gr B, asthenia VAS was 7 cm firstly and 6.8 cm at last visit (decrease of 0.2 cm) with an asthenia relief of 3%.

Conclusion: In spite of little studied population, these preliminary data suggest that acupuncture, without collateral effect, can help in treatment of neuropathic pain of HIV pts.