Auricular Acupuncture and Oral Administration of Hydrochlorothiazide Lowers Urine Output of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus Patients Compared with Hydrochlorothiazide Monotherapy

Abstract

Context: There have been no investigations on auricular acupuncture for the treatment of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI).

 Aim: The aim of this study is to identify the clinical efficacy of auricular acupuncture plus hydrochlorothiazide for treating nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Patients and Methods: Thirty-one patients with NDI were randomized into two groups: the AA (auricular acupuncture) group and the control group. Patients in the AA group received a true auricular acupuncture procedure (Kidney, Subcortex, Endocrine and Bladder point) and oral administration of hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/day) for 15 days. The control group received a sham procedure (stimulating non-acupuncture points on the auricular helix) with the same dose of oral hydrochlorothiazide for 15 days. Urine output and urine osmolality were measured before and after treatment and compared between the AA group and the control group.

Results:  Urine output (UOP) and urine osmolality were significantly changed after 15 days of treatment in both groups (both P<0.01). The differences of UOP and urine osmolality between before and after treatment in AA group were significantly greater than in the control group (p<0.01). 

Conclusion: Auricular acupuncture with oral administration of hydrochlorothiazide is more effective than hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy for lowering urine output in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus patients.