Objective: To observe the effect of ultrasound-guided acupoint electrical stimulation on the patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction associated with mechanical ventilation in ICU.
Methods: Fifty-two patients were randomly divided into an observation group (26 cases, 3 cases dropping) and a control group (26 cases). Conventional treatment was given to all patients. On the basis of conventional treatment, acupoint electrical stimulation therapy was applied at Zhangmen (LR 3), Dabao (SP 21), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), etc. In the observation group, the treatment was given for 30 min each time, 3 times a day for 7 days. Diaphragm thickening fraction (TFdi) was used as an index to guide the individualized setting of stimulation intensity and judge the effect, and the difference of mechanical ventilation time, ICU time, total hospitalization time, hospital mortality and reintubation rate between the two groups were observed.
Results: The mechanical ventilation time in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the ICU time and total hospitalization time between the two groups (P>0.05). During hospitalization, 2 patients died in the observation group and 3 patients died in the control group, there was no significant difference in hospital mortality (P>0.05). One patient in the observation group was reintubated and 8 patients in the control group (P<0.05). The use of acupoint electrical stimulation was a factor in shortening the mechanical ventilation time and reducing the reintubation events (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided acupoint electrical stimulation can relieve ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction, reduce ventilator support time and reintubation events.
Keywords: acupoint electrical stimulation; diaphragmatic dysfunction; mechanical ventilation; respiratory variability.