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Journal of Neurology

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01-01-2020 | Propranolol | Review

Acupuncture versus propranolol in migraine prophylaxis: an indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis

Authors: Yao-Yao Chen, Juan Li, Min Chen, Ling Yue, Tian-Wei She, Hui Zheng

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Propranolol is recommended as first-line treatment for preventing migraine attacks; acupuncture has not been compared with propranolol in a head-to-head trial.

Objective

To compare acupuncture with propranolol using indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis.

Method

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture or propranolol with sham acupuncture, placebo, waiting-list control or usual care were included. We extracted information from the included trials using a standardized extraction form. The primary outcome was migraine episodes. The secondary outcomes included migraine days, migraine frequency, and adverse events.

Results

We included 19 RCTs (n = 3656) after screening 1078 articles. The analysis showed that acupuncture had a significant advantage over propranolol in reducing migraine episodes over a 4-week period (SMD − 0.74, 95% CI − 1.04 to − 0.44). Acupuncture also had a significant advantage over waiting-list control in decreasing migraine frequency (SMD − 1.57, 95% CI − 2.08 to − 1.06). Acupuncture caused fewer adverse events than propranolol (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.11–5.94).

Conclusions

Acupuncture had a better effect than propranolol in reducing migraine episodes in indirect comparison. The result should be confirmed in subsequent head-to-head studies.

Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018108585

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Title: Acupuncture versus propranolol in migraine prophylaxis: an indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis
Authors: Yao-Yao Chen
Juan Li
Min Chen
Ling Yue
Tian-Wei She
Hui Zheng
Publication date: 01-01-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Propranolol
Acupuncture
Metoprolol
Migraine
Topiramate
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-019-09510-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Acupuncture versus propranolol in migraine prophylaxis: an indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusions

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