Presentation summary

Author : Jinyeong Hong 1, Joo-Hee Kim 1,2*
1 Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University,Republic of Korea
2 Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
* Corresponding author : Joo-Hee Kim

Introduction :
Thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA) involves inserting medical threads into subcutaneous ormuscular layers for therapeutic purposes. While its efficacy has been assessed in various studies, evaluationsof its safety profile remain limited. This study aims to assess the safety of TEA by analyzing reported adverse events in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods :
We conducted a comprehensive search for RCTs, that used TEA regardless of the type of diseaseand reported on adverse events and safety, through eleven databases. A meta-analysis will be conducted using Review Manager software. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the McMaster harm assessment tool willbe used to evaluate the quality of included studies and the reporting of adverse events.

Results :
A total of 6,358 studies were identified through database searches, and after screening, 275 studies were included. Data extraction on procedural methods and safety outcomes, including thread types and treatment sites, is ongoing. The extracted data will be analyzed and presented at an upcoming conference, which is expected to provide insights into the safety profiles associated with various types and applications of TEA.

Conclusions :
This ongoing meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive safety profile of TEA by synthesizing available evidence. The findings may support clinicians in weighing the risks and benefits of TEA and inform future safety guidelines.
Acknowledge :
This research was supported by a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republicof Korea (RS-2021-KH109727)