Evidence map of clinical researches on treatment of essential hypertension with acupuncture in the past six years

Wang Rumeng; Gu Yimeng; Zheng Liying; Wu Yanyan; Xue Mei; Li Lizhi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-4055.2023.08.03

Abstract：Objective The objective of this study is to summarize and analyze the clinical research literature and systematic evaluations/Meta-analyses on the effectiveness and current research status of acupuncture in the treatment of essential hypertension.This analysis aims to guide clinical application and further research.Methods The China Knowledge Network(CNKI),Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science databases were searched from January 2015 to August 2022.Clinical original studies and systematic evaluations on acupuncture for essential hypertension were included.The findings,including publication trends,sample sizes,evidence-based typing,and outcome indicators,were summarized and analyzed using text and graphical formats.The quality of systematic evaluations was assessed using the AMSTAR scale.Results A total of 192 papers were included,comprising 185 clinical studies and 7 systematic evaluations.The overall publication trend was stable,with most clinical studies having sample sizes ranging from 50 to 100 cases.The commonly studied outcome indicators included blood pressure,clinical efficiency,and Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)evidence scores.Out of the seven included systematic evaluations,four were of moderate quality(4～7 points),and three were of high quality(8～11 points).Five systematic evaluations supported the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of essential hypertension.Conclusions The majority of clinical studies and systematic evaluations indicate that acupuncture shows potential advantages in lowering blood pressure,increasing clinical efficiency,improving patients'TCM symptoms,and reducing adverse effects.However,there is a need for high-quality,multicenter,and large-sample clinical studies in the future.Additionally,improving the quality of Meta-analyses and systematic evaluations is necessary to provide high-level evidence for acupuncture in the treatment of essential hypertension.