Objective:

To compare the efficacy and safety of various acupuncture therapies for PTN using a network meta-analysis (NMA).

Approach:

• Methods: Randomized controlled trials were identified through a systematic search of seven databases. Outcomes included total effective rate (TER), visual analogue scale (VAS), attack frequency (AF), traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score (TCMSS), and adverse even…

Key Findings:

• Bloodletting therapy was identified as potentially effective for improving total effective rate (TER) (RR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.15–3.47) and reducing visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (MD = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.61).
• Acupuncture combined with conventional Western medicine performed better in reducing attack frequency (AF) (MD = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.02–0.14), improving traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score (TCMSS) (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07–0.34), and decreasing the risk of adverse events (AEs) (OR=0.18, 95% CI: 0.12–0.28).
• Moderate-to-high heterogeneity across some outcomes and generally low certainty of the evidence were noted.

Interpretation:

Different acupuncture modalities may offer distinct therapeutic benefits for PTN, but findings should be interpreted cautiously due to evidence limitations.

Limitations:

• Moderate-to-high heterogeneity across some outcomes.
• Generally low certainty of the evidence.

Conclusion:

Further large-scale, multicenter, high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration