The processes by which persons with HIV-related peripheral neuropathy manage their symptoms: a qualitative study.

A variety of peripheral neuropathies occur throughout the course of HIV infection, with the most common peripheral nerve disorder of late HIV infection being distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy (DSPN). Current management strategies often fail to achieve satisfactory pain relief. This study was designed to explore the everyday life experiences related to DSPN in persons with AIDS (PWAs) and the behaviors they initiate to alleviate the symptoms.

Meta-analysis of acustimulation effects on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.

Objective: We used meta-analysis to examine the effects of acustimulation (AS) on the prevention of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women (NVP).

Methods: Meta-analysis of effects of acustimulations (ie, acupressure, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation [ETS]) on NVP was conducted. Fourteen trials, eight random controlled trials (RCTs), with one RCT having two treatment modalities with four groups, and six crossover controlled trials (N = 1655) published over the last 16 years were evaluated for quality according to the Quality of Reports of Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (QUORUM) guidelines.

Metaanalysis of acustimulation effects on postoperative nausea and vomiting in children.

Objective: Using metaanalysis, we sought to determine acustimulation (AS) effects on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children.

Methods: Metaanalyses were performed on various acupoint AS effects including acupressure, acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and electrical stimulation (ETS) on PONV in children. On-line databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 1966 through May 2005.

Metaanalyses of acustimulations: effects on nausea and vomiting in postoperative adult patients.

Objective: Using metaanalysis to examine the effects of acustimulations on nausea and vomiting symptoms (NVS) in postoperative adult populations.

Methods: Metaanalyses of effects of various acupoints stimulations (AS) (including acupuncture, acupressure, and electrical stimulation) on NVS in postoperative adult populations were performed. Thirty-three quality randomized controlled trials (RCT) published over the past three decades were identified by evaluating the quality of randomization and treatment methods, and results were pooled using a fixed effects model.