Acupuncture for Gulf War Syndrome
(CARE Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for Gulf War Syndrome?
Research shows that acupuncture can reduce the need for pain medications and improve symptoms, ability to function, and quality of life in military patients. Additionally, acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects and has been used effectively for pain management in military settings, which may be beneficial for symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome.12345
Is acupuncture generally safe for humans?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by well-trained practitioners, but it can have some risks. Serious adverse events (like organ injuries or infections) are rare, while minor issues (like dizziness or local reactions) are more common. It's important to ensure that the acupuncturist is properly trained to minimize these risks.678910
How does acupuncture differ from other treatments for Gulf War Syndrome?
Acupuncture is unique for Gulf War Syndrome as it offers a non-drug, non-invasive approach that can address multiple symptoms like pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, unlike standard treatments which often rely on medications. This trial is the first to explore acupuncture specifically for this condition, highlighting its potential as an alternative therapy.15111213
What is the purpose of this trial?
This unblinded Phase II clinical trial will test the effects of individualized acupuncture treatments offered in extant acupuncture practices in the community; practitioners will have had at least 5 years of experience plus additional training provided by the study. Veterans with diagnosed symptoms of Gulf War Illness will be randomized to either six months of biweekly acupuncture treatments (group 1, n=100) or 2 months of waitlist followed by weekly acupuncture treatments (group 2, n=100). Measurements were taken at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 months. The primary outcome is the SF-36 physical component scale score (SF-36P).
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for veterans with Gulf War Illness, a condition affecting those who served in the Persian Gulf War. It includes chronic symptoms like fatigue and pain. Participants should have these symptoms but not other conditions like Klinefelter or Triple X Syndrome.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Waitlist
Participants in group 2 are monitored on a waitlist for 2 months before starting treatment
Treatment
Group 1 receives bi-weekly acupuncture for 6 months; Group 2 receives weekly acupuncture for 4 months after a 2-month waitlist
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is already approved in United States, European Union, China for the following indications:
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neuropathy
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neuropathy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Utah
Lead Sponsor
United States Department of Defense
Collaborator
University of California, Berkeley
Collaborator
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Collaborator