Effect of transcutaneous electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on refractory vomiting in patients in intensive care unit

Objective

To observe the effect of transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) at Neiguan (PC 6) on refractory vomiting in critically ill patients in intensive care (ICU) setting.

Methods

Ten patients admitted in ICU and presenting vomiting refractory to one or more antiemetic drugs were prospectively included in the study. TEA was applied at acupoint of Neiguan (PC 6) during 30 min with a neuromuscular transmission monitor (single-twitch stimulation with 1 Hz at a constant current of 10 mA). Nausea and Vomiting were evaluated at the following intervals: immediately after 30 min of TEA at Neiguan (PC 6), 30 min-6h and 6–24 h. The presence of nausea and/or vomiting throughout the observational period was defined as the primary end point.

Results

The presence of nausea or vomiting throughout the observational period was 10% at the end of TEA, 40% between 30 min and 6 h, and 50% between 30 min and 24 h (P < 0.001, P = 0.01 and P = 0.03 vs pre-TEA, respectively). There were no complications or side effects related to TEA.

Conclusion

TEA at Neiguan (PC 6) seems effective in reducing refractory vomiting in the patients in ICU setting, even if larger trials are needed to define optimal modalities.