Role of acupressure in symptom management in patients with end-stage renal disease: a systematic review.

Abstract

Acupressure is a widely used adjunct for various symptoms in patients with nonchronic kidney disease. However, its role for symptom management in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) populations is not clear. To summarize and critically evaluate the evidence available from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupressure for patients with ESRD. Systematic review of RCTs. Thirteen databases were searched from their inceptions through December 2009, irrespective of publication status or language. In total, 7 RCTs out of 86 screened studies were included and analyzed. Most studies lacked sufficient description to gauge the quality of the RCT. Acupressure was not superior to sham acupressure (n = 2) or to transcutaneous electrical stimulation (n = 1), while studies suggested benefits of acupressure compared to usual care (n = 3), sleep medication (n = 1), and undefined control intervention (n = 1). None of these studies reported any adverse events. No definitive conclusion is available. Future trials should adhere to standards of trial methodology and explicitly report relevant information for evaluation of efficacy and safety of acupressure in patients with ESRD.