Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Auricular acupuncture (AA) has not been studied in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
Objective:
The aim of this research was to evaluate AA safety, feasibility, and acceptability as a nonpharmacologic adjunct in NAS.
Materials and Methods:
Design/Setting: A pilot study was conducted on 20 infants with NAS requiring pharmacologic treatment and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Intervention: SEIRIN® Pyonex press needles were used to access 3–4 of the following AA sites: Shen Men; Sympathetic; Lung; Kidney; Liver; Frustration; R-point; and Psychovegetative rim. Needles remained in one ear for 3 ± 1 days before removal and placement in the opposite ear. Treatments continued until methadone was discontinued or a discharge dose was established. Outcome Measures: Safety was determined by the incidence of cellulitis; acceptability by a parent and provider survey; and feasibility by rate of needle dislodgements, adverse events, study retention, rate of consent, completed documentation, and time to first AA treatment and to address needle displacements.
Results:
There was a 58% consent rate. AA was administered at an average of 21.5 hours after obtaining consent. Two percent of the needles became dislodged. All were replaced within 3 days. No infants were withdrawn from the study, and none had cellulitis. Both parents and providers increased their acceptability of AA.
Conclusion:
AA as a nonpharmacologic adjunct in NAS is safe, feasible, and acceptable to parents and providers.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov (trial #: NCT02062151).
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.