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Evaluation of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Auricular Pellets Combined With Atorvastatin 20mg in Patients With Dyslipidemia and Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome
Sponsor: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
Summary
Dyslipidemia (DL) is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal levels of blood lipids and is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although current management primarily relies on lifestyle modification and lipid-lowering medications, particularly statins, some patients may have an inadequate treatment response, experience adverse effects, or have difficulty maintaining long-term adherence. Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies are increasingly used as complementary approaches to conventional treatment. Auricular acupuncture, which stimulates specific acupoints on the ear, has been investigated for its potential effects on lipid metabolism. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Phlegm-Dampness syndrome is considered a common syndrome pattern associated with dyslipidemia. However, clinical evidence regarding the effects of auricular acupuncture on blood lipid parameters and Phlegm-Dampness symptoms in patients with dyslipidemia remains limited, particularly in Vietnam. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of auricular acupuncture combined with atorvastatin compared with atorvastatin plus sham auricular acupuncture in patients with dyslipidemia presenting with Phlegm-Dampness syndrome. The primary outcome is the change in blood lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention. Changes in clinical symptoms of Phlegm-Dampness syndrome are also evaluated.
Official title: The Potential Efficacy of Auricular Pellets Combined With Atorvastatin 20mg in Managing Blood Lipid Levels and Improving Phlegm-Dampness Symptoms in 80 Patients With Dyslipidemia and Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
80
Start Date
2026-02-10
Completion Date
2026-06-10
Last Updated
2026-09-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Auricular Acupressure
In this study, active semi-permanent auricular needles (auricular pellets) will be applied to 5 therapeutic acupoints: Spleen (CO13), Stomach (CO4), Endocrine (CO18), Sympathetic (AH6), and Auricular Shenmen (TF4) on the left ear. Needles will be retained for 5 days to provide continuous stimulation, with the patches replaced on the 6th day. Participants will be prompted to perform self-acupressure on the points 4 times daily (60 seconds per acupoint). The entire procedure totals 12 sessions over an 8-week period, performed by a licensed traditional medicine physician following standardized protocols.
Sham Auricular Acupressure
Sham auricular acupressure will be performed using auricular pellet patches with the needles completely removed, applied to 3 non-therapeutic ear points: Finger (SF1), Thoracic Spine (AH11), and Knee (AH4) on the left ear. The patches will be replaced on the 6th day, totaling 10 sessions over an 8-week period with alternating ears. The procedure duration and appearance will be identical to the active intervention to maintain blinding, but participants are strictly instructed NOT to perform any self-acupressure.
Atorvastatin
Participants in both groups are prescribed Atorvastatin 20mg to be taken orally at a dose of 1 tablet per day. The medication must be administered consistently every day after dinner. This pharmacological treatment is maintained continuously throughout the 8-week study period to manage and monitor its effects on blood lipid levels.
Diet and exercise regimen
Participants are instructed to strictly follow a therapeutic lifestyle change regimen throughout the 8-week study period. The dietary component focuses on a lipid-lowering, high-fiber diet, which includes reducing saturated fat intake, limiting dietary cholesterol to less than 300 mg/day, and increasing the consumption of vegetables and fiber-rich foods. The exercise component requires participants to maintain a consistent daily physical activity routine tailored to their health status. Adherence to both diet and exercise guidelines is monitored regularly by the research team.
Locations (1)
Bệnh viện Lê Văn Thịnh
Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam