Predictors of computerized electroacupuncture efficacy in bronchial asthma treatment

The aim of the study is to evaluate the significance of the initial clinical parameters of patients with bronchial asthma while predicting the efficacy of computerized electroacupuncture (CEAP). Materials and Methods. The two-stage study included 120 patients with bronchial asthma (BA). During the first stage, group OI underwent 3 CEAP monthly courses, while group P was treated with standard pharmacotherapy. Based on the results of the first study stage, patients were included in group OII, which consisted of a subgroup with expected good CEAP efficacy (group OII1) and a subgroup with expected insufficient CEAP efficacy (group OII2). Group OII underwent 3 monthly CEAP courses, which consisted of five daily events. Results. After three CEAP courses, group OI demonstrated a high proportion of patients with good and complete BA control. According to asthma controllability, patients were stratified into 4 subgroups: OI1 - patients of the main group 1 with improved disease control (n=20); OI2 - patients of the main group 1 with unchanged disease control (n=20); P1 - patients of the reference group with improved disease control (n=10); Р2 - patients of the reference group with unchanged disease control (n=30). The retrospective analysis showed no significant differences between respiratory function parameters in CT1 and 2 in groups OI1 and OI2. The authors analyzed electrical resistance (ER) dynamics of all biologically active points (BAP) during the first CEAP course in group OI: the difference between the total indicators of the initial and final ER of all BAPs gradually increased. Thus, we considered it possible to apply ES indicators of BAPs to predict CEAP efficacy. There was a correlation between BA controllability and ES of BAT, as registered in the first two CEAP sessions in group OI. It was supposed to calculate the indicator of the expected treatment efficacy (IETE). IETE predicted negative treatment outcomes in 100 % of cases (sensitivity - 100 %, specificity - 100 %). Prediction of a positive effect was less accurate: sensitivity - 70 %, specificity - 80 %. The sensitivity of the prediction of dynamics absence was 80 %, specificity - 70 %. Conclusion. It is inappropriate to use the initial parameters of respiratory function as predictors of CEAP efficacy in BA treatment. IETE is an objective measurable indicator of BAPs and can be used to predict CEAP efficacy in BA treatment.