Journal of Neonatal Biology

Abstract

Acupuncture in Neonates–Old Experience or New Evidence?

Thiel M and Stockert K

  Background: Despite great efforts in the past 20 years, there is still a need for more suitable therapeutic options in neonatology. Complementary and alternative medicine could offer such opportunities.   Objective: To determine the present state of knowledge on the use of acupuncture in neonates, this is an update of a formerly published study. Design: Performing a systematic literature review in Medline, BIOSYS Previews, DAHTA, Deutsches Ärzteblatt, EMBASE, EMBASE alert, gms, gms-Meetings, Karger-Verlagsdatenbank, Krause & Pachernegg Verlagsdatenbank, SciSearch, Thieme-Verlagsdatenbank PrePrint, Thieme-Verlagsdatenbank.   Keywords: neonatology, newborn, preterm, acupuncture, laser acupuncture; furthermore considerations from theoretical and practical points of view.   Results: We have found one randomized controlled study, one study with a crossover design, one observational study, one study concerning methodology, 3 case reports, 2 reviews and one protocol for a Cochrane Review.   Discussion: This topic has not yet really been evaluated scientifically, the literature is very scarce. According to international literature, acupuncture does not play a significant role in the treatment of children so far, not only in neonatology. The results of the Cochrane protocol could provide an assessment and may contribute to a better understanding. The other papers represent some interesting ideas that need further research. There is some practical limitation for acupuncture especially for very young infants.   Conclusion: If acupuncture is practiced in neonates it needs further evaluation.