Acupuncture Versus Titrated Morphine in Patients With Renal Colic (AcuRC)

Skin disinfection was made by an antiseptic solution in the sites of insertion and sterile acupuncture needles were used (0.25 x 0.5 mm).

Patients were installed in a seated position and needles were inserted perpendicularly through the skin to a depth of 1 - 2 cm until the "De Qi" was achieved.

The "DeQi" corresponds to a feeling of numbness and tingling within the range of acupoint, The insertion sites are represented by the urinary bladder meridian points to the side of the pain (UB21, UB22, UB23, UB24, UB26, UB45, UB46, UB47, UB48 and UB49).

Morphine was previously prepared by a study nurse by diluting a 10 mg / 1 ml flakon of morphine chlorhydrate in a 9 ml solution of serum saline to obtain a 10 ml preparation (1 ml = 1 mg).

An initial bolus of 0.1 mg per Kg of actual body weight of morphine chlorhydrate solution is administered.

A titration dose of 0.1 mg / Kg of body weight was repeated every 5 minutes' interval until reaching the therapeutic goal.

Corresponds to the occurence of side effects related to the intervention. Side effects occurence is evaluated via a checklist for each study group and the degree of amputability is evaluated via a 3 point likert scale (1: not probable, 2: probable and 3 : very probable / almost certain).

In the morphine group we followed patients for the occurence of drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, respiratory distress and hypotension.

In the acupuncture group we followed patients for the occurence of local rush / bleeding / itching, needle blockage and fainting