Clinical Report: Assessing the Efficacy of Acupuncture in PMOP Treatments

Overview

This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with various pharmacotherapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) in Chinese women. Differential benefits across treatment strategies were observed, particularly in improving bone mineral density and clinical efficacy outcomes.

Background

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a significant health concern, leading to fractures and increased mortality among older women. Current treatments include anti-resorptive agents and complementary therapies like acupuncture, yet comparative evidence on their combined efficacy remains limited.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 112 RCTs involving 9,908 patients were included in the analysis.
• Calcitriol combined with Electroacupuncture ranked highest for lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS-BMD).
• CT_VD_TCM_Fire dragon moxibustion and CT_VD_BP_TCM_Acu were best for femoral neck bone mineral density (FN-BMD).
• TCM_Acu showed the best clinical efficacy among the treatments evaluated.
• Acupuncture combined with pharmacotherapy offers varied benefits across different efficacy outcomes.
• Fracture data were limited, with only one trial reporting two hip fractures.

Clinical Implications

Acupuncture can be integrated with pharmacotherapy for managing PMOP, with specific combinations yielding better outcomes for bone density and pain relief.

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with pharmacotherapy presents differential benefits in treating PMOP.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers | Evaluating Combined Acupuncture and Antiresorptive Therapy in Chinese Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
2. Osteoporosis: diagnosis and management ACG | Agency for Care Effectiveness
3. Romosozumab increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal Chinese women with osteoporosis: A randomised phase three study - PMC
4. Drug Safety — Evaluating Cardiovascular Safety of Romosozumab in Comparison to Standard Anti-Osteoporosis Treatments for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Comprehensive Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
5. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Comparative efficacy and safety of odanacatib, abaloparatide, denosumab, teriparatide, and bisphosphonates for male osteoporosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
6. Frontiers in Neurology — Acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spasticity: a systematic review and exploratory network meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and dose–response relationship
7. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Commentary: Effect of acupuncture for poor ovarian response: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
8. Osteoporosis: diagnosis and management ACG | Agency for Care Effectiveness
9. Romosozumab increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal Chinese women with osteoporosis: A randomised phase three study - PMC
10. Frontiers | Evaluating Combined Acupuncture and Antiresorptive Therapy in Chinese Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis