Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for poststroke dysphagia

Optimal treatment strategies for post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) remain to be explored. Electroacupuncture (EA) has attracted widespread attention due to its simplicity, cheapness, and safety. However, the efficacy of EA in the treatment of PSD lacks high-level evidence-based medical support. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical value of EA in the treatment of PSD. A total of seven databases were searched for relevant literature. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on EA alone or EA combined with other interventions for the treatment of PSD were assessed using the modified Jadad scale. The studies with a score of ≥4 were included. The quality of the included studies was then assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The meta-analysis was performed using Rev. Man 5.3 software. Twelve studies involving 1,358 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that the EA group was superior to the control group in terms of clinical response rate (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.97 to 3.53) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) score (MD = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.29 to 1.16). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) score (MD = -3.11, 95% CI = -6.45 to 0.23), Rosenbek penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) score (MD = -0.68, 95% CI = -2.78 to 1.41), Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) score (MD = 13.24, 95% CI = -7.74 to 34.21), or incidence of adverse events (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.73 to 3.38). This study shows that EA combined with conventional treatment or other interventions can significantly improve the clinical response rate and VFSS score in patients with PSD without increasing adverse reactions. : https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=396840.