Acupuncture Versus Compound Diclofenac Sodium for Pain Relief in Non-Traumatic Acute Abdominal

Launched by THE FIRST AFFILIATED HOSPITAL OF HUNAN UNIVERSITY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE · May 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two different methods to relieve pain for people experiencing non-traumatic acute abdominal pain, which means pain that isn't caused by an injury. The study aims to compare the effects of acupuncture combined with a medication called compound diclofenac sodium, against each treatment alone. This will help researchers understand which option is more effective and safe for patients in the emergency department.

To participate, you need to be between 16 and 75 years old and have had abdominal pain for less than a week, with a pain level of at least 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 (where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable). You should also be evaluated by a doctor and not need surgery within the next couple of hours. If you qualify and choose to participate, you can expect to receive either acupuncture, the diclofenac injection, or a combination of both during your visit. However, there are several exclusions, such as having a serious medical condition or being pregnant, so it’s important to check if you meet the criteria.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. The diagnostic criteria of NTAA were as follows: ① abdominal pain was the main symptom; ② The onset time was less than 1 week; ③ The cause of abdominal pain could be traced to intra-abdominal abdominal wall chest or systemic diseases;
• • 2. Patients with NRS scores ≥4 (mild pain and above) were evaluated before inclusion; （3）16 years \< age \<75 years;
• • （4）Those who were considered not to need surgery within 2 hours after initial assessment by a specialist.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Participants meeting any of the following criteria were excluded from the study:
• • 1. Acute abdomen caused by trauma;
• • 2. Super sudden diseases (e.g. acute myocardial infarction rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm pulmonary embolism aortic dissection pericardial tamponade);
• • 3. Emergent conditions requiring surgical treatment within 3 hours (e.g. rupture of liver cancer ectopic pregnancy ischemic bowel disease severe acute cholangitis peritonitis with septic shock);
• • 4. Extremely severe pain (NRS ≥ 8) with an undetermined diagnosis and requiring further assessment for a super sudden disease;
• • 5. Inability to select acupuncture points due to skin injury or ulceration at Zusanli (ST36) on the lower limb;
• • 6. Induration or infection at the hip injection site;
• • 7. Patients with altered consciousness mental illness other severe chronic diseases or those who are unlikely to cooperate with acupuncture treatment;
• 8. Contraindications to Western medicine:
• • Known allergies to diclofenac sodium or acetaminophen; ②History of asthma urticaria or allergic reactions induced by aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• • Undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. ④History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation following non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• • Active gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding or a history of recurrent ulcers or bleeding.
• • Severe heart failure.
• • 9. Use of any pain medication or acupuncture within the past 6 hours;
• • 10. Previous participation in this study;
• • 11. Pregnant or lactating individuals.