Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and BVA for IPD through a sham-controlled trial. We also investigated whether there is a sustained therapeutic effect by completing follow-up assessments after treatment completion.

Background: In light of the limitations of conventional therapy in PD, there has been an increasing amount of interest and research in complementary and alternative therapies. In our previous pilot study, acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture (BVA) showed promising results as potential adjuvant therapies for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD).

Methods: We performed a single center, double-blind, three-armed, randomized controlled clinical trial. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the active treatment group, sham treatment group, or conventional treatment group. The active treatment group received acupuncture and BVA, and the sham group received sham acupuncture and normal saline injections, twice a week for 12 weeks. The conventional treatment group maintained anti-parkinsonian drugs without additional intervention. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part II and part III score, postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) score, gait speed and number, Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and postural stability were assessed at baseline and at 12, 16, and 20 weeks.

Results: A total of 73 eligible patients were randomly assigned to the active treatment, sham treatment, or conventional treatment group and 63 patients provided a complete data set of assessments, including a final follow-up. After 12 weeks of treatment, a significant difference was observed between the active treatment group and the conventional treatment group. After the end of the treatment, the treatment effects were maintained significantly in the active treatment group only. No serious adverse events were observed and no patients dropped out due to side effects.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the combined treatment of acupuncture and BVA might be safe and useful adjunctive treatment for patients with IPD.

References: Cho SY, Shim SR, Rhee HY, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture in idiopathic Parkin- son’s disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2012;18:948–952. A prospective open-label study of combined treatment for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease using acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment. J Altern Complement Med 2015; 21:598–603.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/efficacy-of-combined-treatment-with-acupunture-and-bee-venom-acupuncture-for-parkinsons-disease-double-blind-randomized-controlled-trial/