Deaths after acupuncture: A systematic review

Abstract

Context: Several fatalities after acupuncture have been reported. But no critical analysis of these data is currently available. Objective: This systematic review is aimed at summarizing these reports and putting them into a broader context. Data sources: Four electronic databases and my own files were searched for such reports. No restrictions in terms of language or time were imposed. Study selection: Case reports, case series and other types of articles reporting fatalities were considered. Data extraction: Key data were extracted according to pre-defined criteria. Results: Reports of 86 deaths after acupuncture were found. Many are incomplete and causality may therefore be occasionally uncertain. Due to under-reporting, these reports are likely to merely describe the tip of a larger iceberg. Conclusion: Acupuncture has been associated with numerous deaths. These fatalities are avoidable and a reminder of the need to insist on adequate training for all acupuncturists.