Exploring acupuncture as a treatment for insomnia in perimenopausal women with stable angina pectoris: A protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Insomnia has emerged as a major public health issue jeopardizing human wellbeing. Furthermore, insomnia and angina arise concomitantly and exert reciprocal effects. Multiple studies suggest that perimenopausal females are more prone to experiencing both angina and insomnia, consequently substantially compromising their quality of life.Credible evidence suggests that acupuncture exerts a beneficial impact in alleviating insomnia. Nevertheless, the exhaustive investigation into the potential of acupuncture for mitigating insomnia co-occurring with stable angina in perimenopausal females remains a realm yet to be traversed in the realm of randomized controlled trials. Hence, the primary intent of this research protocol was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of acupuncture when administered to perimenopausal subjects grappling with concomitant conditions of stable angina and insomnia.

Methods: This study entails a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 110 patients exhibiting insomnia concomitant with stable angina in the perimenopausal period will be enlisted and randomized to either acupuncture or sham acupuncture. Participants in both arms will undergo 30-minute sessions thrice weekly over a 12-week intervention period, with a 12-week maximum follow-up. The primary outcome measure is the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI). Secondary outcomes encompass the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36), Dosage of sleeping pills, SAP-associated evaluations, including C-reactive protein (CRP), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), cardiac fatty acid-binding protein levels (C-FABP), and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Additionally, the study includes assessments using the Hamilton Depression Inventory (HAMD) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks (upon completion of the intervention), and at an additional 12-week follow-up. Any adverse events will be rigorously classified and characterized with respect to time of onset and abatement, therapeutic interventions implemented, impact on the primary morbidity, and regression.

Discussion: The current study is poised to furnish pivotal clinical data on the utility of acupuncture for stable angina with concomitant insomnia in perimenopausal women, with the findings to be propagated through academic conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Clinical Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20221121001. Registered 19 November 2022.