| Objective: This RCT based on large sample is designed to test results of Moxibutsion on PD,as well as determine the best treatment protocol in terms of the Chrono-Acupuncture concepts.Methods:233 subjects who met the diagnostic criteria were allocated to three group of A(treatment group),B(control group)and C(waiting list group).Group A started moxa on two points 5-7 days before period commence,for 10 minutes each,once a day until period came.Group B started moxa on the same points during the period with same length of time,once a day until period completed.Group C was prohibited the use of hot compression on the lower abdomen however was allowed to take certain pain killers in case of severe period pain.Visual Analog Scale(VAS),Cox Menstrual Smptom Scale(CMSS),Cox Retrospective Symptom Scale(CRSS),Self-Rating De Pression Scale(SDS),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),serum Prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and Prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)were recruited for the outcome measurement.Results:1.Significant inner-group difference were detected amongst all parameters in group A and B(p<0.05),with tendency of ongoing improvements through the whole trail;2.There is no inner-group difference of all measurements in group C(p>0.05);3.Both group A and B have achieved significant difference superior to group C in all parameters(p<0.01);4.Group A is significantly superior to group B in VAS、APS severity、APS duration and CMSS severity values(p<0.05);5.When Mixed Effect Model was performed to measure all the outcome parameters,in which the time point was considered as continuous variable with interaction between the time point and group variables included.Results indicated there were interactions between time and inner-group changes of group A and B,as well as showing trends of group A、B better than group C and group B better than group C;6.Blood tests of PGE2 and PGF2αhave shown both group A and B obtained significant increases of PGE2(p<0.01)and decrease of PGF2α(p<0.01),which were both significantly advanced than group C(p<0.01);7.Group comparison between A and B has significant difference in the change of PGE2(p<0.05),however no difference was found in the change of PGF2α in this clinical randomized trial(p>0.05).Conclusion:1.Applying moxibustion prior to the commence of period has been proven to effectively reduce PD symptoms especially the pain,as well as improve PD relevant biomedical markers;2.Moxibustion reduces PGF2α while increases PGE2,expanding uterine arteries and relieves the state of hyperemia,soothes uterine spasm and restricts the uterine contraction,hence achieve reliable pain relief;3.The result of pain relief induced by moxibustion to PD sufferers is instant and with long lasting effect but rare side-effects,has its unique clinical value. |
