To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for sepsis-associated gastrointestinal dysfunction in adult ICU patients compared to standard care.
Key Findings:
Twenty studies (19 RCTs and 1 retrospective cohort; n = 1,502) were included. Acupuncture was associated with improvements in gastrointestinal and physiological parameters, but substantial heterogeneity was noted in inflammatory biomarkers.
Interpretation:
Acupuncture may improve gastrointestinal function and inflammatory profiles in patients with sepsis-associated AGI, but does not show a clear survival benefit, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Limitations:
Substantial heterogeneity in studies and outcomes, including variations in study design and patient populations.
Conclusion:
Well-designed multicenter trials with rigorous controls and clinically relevant endpoints are warranted to further assess acupuncture's role in sepsis management, emphasizing the potential benefits and limitations.
