[Effect of electroacupuncture on diaphragmatic function in patients with post-stroke tracheotomy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on diaphragmatic function based on conventional treatment in patients with post-stroke tracheotomy tube. METHODS: A total of 70 patients were randomized into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (34 cases, 1 case dropped off). Internal medical basic treatment and breathing training were given in both groups. Besides, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture was applied at Neiguan (PC 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Jiquan (HT 1), Chize (LU 5) and Weizhong (BL 40) in the control group, the needles were sustained for 30 min. On the basis of treatment in the control group, EA was applied at Tianding (LI 17), Fengchi (GB 20) and Jiaji (EX-B 2, C3-C5 ) in the observation group, with continuous wave, 10-20 Hz, 30 min each time. The treatment was given once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment, the diaphragmatic motility was measured by SonoSite ultrasound system (M-Turbo) in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the diaphragmatic motility after treatment was increased in both groups (P<0.01), and the improvement in the observation group was superior to the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can promote the recovery of diaphragmatic function in patients with post-stroke tracheotomy tube.

[Effect of "Tongyuan" acupuncture treatment on success rate of extubation in stroke patients undergoing tracheotomy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the impact of "Tongyuan" (regulating the Governor Vessel to tranquilize mental activities, conducting qi back to its origin) acupuncture treatment on cough reflex, pulmonary infection and swallowing function in stroke patients undergoing tracheotomy. METHODS: Seventy-four cerebral stroke patients with tracheo-tomy were randomly allocated to scalp acupuncture and "Tongyuan" acupuncture groups (n=37 in each group). All the patients of the two groups received basic treatment, including treatment of primary diseases, routine nursing, respiratory muscle training, physical therapy, acupuncture of Chize (LU5), Quchi (LI11), Hegu (LI4), Weizhong (BL40), Zusanli (ST36). In addition, for patients of the scalp acupuncture group, the middle 2/5 of Dingnieqianxiexian (MS6), the middle 2/5 of Dingniehouxiexian (MS7) and Dingpangerxian (MS9) on the contralateral side of lesions were punctured with filiform needles. For patients of the "Tongyuan" acupuncture group, Baihui (GV20), Zhongwan (GV12), Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), Tianshu (ST25), Feishu (BL13), Pishu (BL20) were needled. The treatment in both groups lasted 30 minutes each time, once daily, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The cough reflex grading score (CRGS, assessed according to cough, independent expectoration, sputum suction), clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS, assessed according to the body temperature, white blood cell count, airway secretion in 24 h, PaO2/FiO2, infiltration status, cultured pathogenic bacteria), and swallowing function were evaluated by a researcher who was blinded to the grouping and treatment procedures. The success rate of extubation was calculated in a week at the end of treatments. RESULTS: After the treatment, the CRGS and CPIS of both groups were apparently decreased in comparison with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05), suggesting an improvement of the cough reflex and pulmonary infection. Regarding the swallowing function, of the two 37 cases in the scalp acupuncture and "Tongyuan" acupuncture groups, 9(24.3%) and 19(51.4%) experienced marked improvement, 12(32.5%)and 14(37.8%) were effective, and 16(43.2%) and 4(10.8%)failed in the treatment, with the effective rate being 56.8% and 89.2%, respectively. In regard to the successful extubation, of the two 37 cases in the scalp acupuncture and "Tongyuan" acupuncture groups, 5(13.5%) and 11(29.8%)had a marked improvement, 10(27.0%)and 18(48.6%)were effective, and 22(59.5%)and 8(21.6%)failed, with the effective rate being 40.5% and 78.4%, respectively. The therapeutic effect of "Tongyuan" acupuncture was significantly superior to that of scalp acupuncture in decreasing CRGS and CPIS, and in improving the swallowing function and raising the rate of successful extubation (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: "Tongyuan" acupuncture treatment can improve cough reflex to remove sputum, reduce pulmonary infection, enhance swallowing function, and raise the success rate of extubation in stroke patients, which is better than scalp acupuncture.