AP complications

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pdf file can be viewed here http://tinyurl.com/zante

 

 

Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Jul 1;43(1):e6-8. Epub 2006 May 23.

 

 

Diabetic ketoacidosis precipitated by Staphylococcus aureus abscess and

bacteremia due to acupuncture: case report and review of the literature.

 

Seeley EJ, Chambers HF.

 

Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA

94121, USA. eseeley

 

Acupuncture use is increasing in the United States. Despite multiple studies

the efficacy and safety of acupuncture are poorly defined. We report a

previously healthy patient who developed a thigh abscess, bacteremia, and

diabetic ketoacidosis after acupuncture treatment. We review the literature

on infectious complications of acupuncture.

 

PMID: 16758409 [PubMed - in process]

 

 

Conclusion of the article:

 

As acupuncture becomes increasingly popular, it is important for patients to

understand its risks and benefits. The risk of serious complications due to

acupuncture is probably low—perhaps <1 in 10,000 treatments. Nonetheless, the

evidence for acupuncture as a successful treatment for all but a few conditions

is equivocal. Thus, patients and practitioners must assess the risk benefit

ratio of therapy. Specifically, patients with diabetes who are immunosuppressed

or who have valvular heart disease may be at increased risk of serious infection

due to acupuncture. Furthermore, patients should ensure that their practitioners

are licensed and employ single-use sterile needles.