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Trial · NCT02047045

Effect Comparison of Electro-acupuncture and Prucalopride for Severe Chronic Constipation: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NCT02047045, Not applicable, Completed, Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; results first posted 2020-01-30

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ConductScience Library. Effect Comparison of Electro-acupuncture and Prucalopride for Severe Chronic Constipation: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Trials, record NCT02047045. Release trials-2026-11-12-0.5.0, 12 Nov 2026. https://conductscience.org/library/trials/NCT02047045

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Trial

As registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, in the graph's capture of the registry.

Title
Effect Comparison of Electro-acupuncture and Prucalopride for Severe Chronic Constipation: a Randomized Controlled Trial
NCT number
NCT02047045
Status
Completed
Phases
Not applicable
Enrollment
560 participants, actual
Lead sponsor
Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Conditions
Constipation
Interventions
acupuncture, Prucalopride
First posted
2014-01-28
Last updated
2021-03-22
Results first posted
2020-01-30

Source ClinicalTrials.gov

Registered outcomes12

Each outcome the trial registered, primary first, in ClinicalTrials.gov's words.

ListOutcomeTime frameDescription
Primarythe Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 3-8over weeks 3-8 (the latter 6-week treatment)
Abbreviation: CSBMs, complete spontaneous bowel movements. Calculation method: First, the mean weekly CSBMs of each patient were calculated over weeks 3-8. Second, we got the number of patients with 3 or more mean weekly CSMBs. Third, we got the proportion of participants through dividing that number by the total cases at baseline, and multiplying by 100%. Assessing time frame: the latter 6 weeks of treatment (weeks 3-8).
Secondarythe Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
Abbreviation: CSBMs, complete spontaneous bowel movements. Calculation method: First, the mean weekly CSBMs of each patient were calculated over weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32. Second, we got the number of patients with 3 or more mean weekly CSMBs. Third, we got the proportion of participants through dividing that number by the total cases at baseline, and multiplying by 100%. Assessing time frame: weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
Secondarythe Proportion of Participants With ≥1 Increase in Mean Weekly CSBMs From Baseline Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
Abbreviation: CSBMs, complete spontaneous bowel movements. Calculation method: First, the increase in mean weekly CSBMs of each patient from baseline were calculated over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32. Second, we got the number of patients with ≥1 increase in the mean weekly CSMBs from baseline. Third, we got the proportion of participants through dividing that number by the total cases at baseline, and multiplying by 100%. Assessing time frame: weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
SecondaryMean Weekly CSBMs and Its Change From Baseline Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
SecondaryMean Weekly SBMs and Its Change From Baseline Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
Secondarythe Change From Baseline in Mean Score of Stool Consistency for Each SBM Over Weeks 1-2 and 3-8.over weeks 1-2, 3-8.
The change from baseline in the mean score of stool consistency of each SBM over weeks 1-2 and weeks 3-8. Assessing time: baseline, weeks 1-2 and weeks 3-8. Patients will self-report their stool consistency of each SBM according to the 7-type Bristol Stool Form Scale (scored by 1 to 7 respectively). Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass); Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy; Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface; Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft; Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges (passed easily); Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool; Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces. Entirely liquid. Type 3 and 4 were deemed as a normal stool.
Secondarythe Change From Baseline in Mean Score of Straining for Each SBM Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
The change from baseline in the mean score of straining of each SBM over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 9-12, 9-16, 9-20, 9-32. Assessing time: baseline, weeks 1-2, 3-8, 9-12, 9-16, 9-20, 9-32. Patients will self-report their straining degree of each SBM in the defecation diaries according to the following scale. 0 = not difficult; 1 = a little difficult, need some straining to defecate; 2 = difficult, need straining to defecate; 3 = very difficult, need hard straining to defecate. Higher scores mean a worse outcome.
SecondaryTime to the First CSBMsfrom the time of their first treatment to the time they having their first CSBMs
Abbreviation: CSBMs, complete spontaneous bowel movements. Time to the first CSBMs was counted by days. Rescue medicine or other measurements for constipation is not allowed to be used 48 hours before and after the first treatment for evaluating the time to the first complete spontaneous bowel movement. Participants were assessed after the first treatment until they having their first CSBMs.
SecondaryChange From Baseline in Mean Score of Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Lifeweek 4 and week 8
The change from baseline of the score of Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) at week 4 and week 8. PAC-QOL is a self-report questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life in patients with constipation, which was distributed by Mapi Research Trust in France. This questionnaire contains 28 items including 4 basic parts of physical discomfort, worries and concerns, psychosocial discomfort, and satisfaction. We use the Chinese version in our trial. Assessing point: baseline, week 4 and week 8. The score of PAC-QOL ranged from 1 to 5 (1 indicates no discomfort or feeling very satisfied, 5 indicates extreme severity and always appears or feeling very dissatisfied).
OtherProportion of Patients Using Rescue Medicine Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.

Outcomes14

Each outcome the trial posted results for, in ClinicalTrials.gov's words.

TypeOutcomeTime framePopulationUnitsMeasured as
PRIMARYthe Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 3-8over weeks 3-8 (the latter 6-week treatment)
We recruited 560 participants (280 for each group) in total; however, 3 participants from EA group and 2 from prucalopride group withdrew their informed consents. Therefore, they were not included in the baseline analysis.
percentage of participantsNUMBER
SECONDARYthe Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
We recruited 560 participants (280 for each group) in total; however, 3 participants from EA group and 2 from prucalopride group withdrew their informed consents. Therefore, they were not included in the analysis.
percentage of participantsNUMBER
SECONDARYthe Proportion of Participants With ≥1 Increase in Mean Weekly CSBMs From Baseline Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
We recruited 560 participants (280 for each group) in total; however, 3 participants from EA group and 2 from prucalopride group withdrew their informed consents. Therefore, they were not included in the analysis.
percentage of participantsNUMBER
SECONDARYMean Weekly CSBMs and Its Change From Baseline Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
We recruited 560 participants (280 for each group) in total; however, 3 participants from EA group and 2 from prucalopride group withdrew their informed consents. Therefore, they were not included in the analysis.
bowel movementsMEAN
SECONDARYMean Weekly SBMs and Its Change From Baseline Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
We recruited 560 participants (280 for each group) in total; however, 3 participants from EA group and 2 from prucalopride group withdrew their informed consents. Therefore, they were not included in the analysis.
bowel movementsMEAN
SECONDARYthe Change From Baseline in Mean Score of Stool Consistency for Each SBM Over Weeks 1-2 and 3-8.over weeks 1-2, 3-8.The number of participants providing data of stool consistency was 270 in EA group and 266 in prucalopride group.scoreMEDIAN
SECONDARYthe Change From Baseline in Mean Score of Straining for Each SBM Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.
The number of participants providing data of straining was 271 in EA group and 266 in prucalopride group over weeks 1-2/3-8; The number of participants providing data of straining was 264 in EA group and 261 in prucalopride group over weeks 11-12/15-16/19-20/31-32.
scoreMEDIAN
SECONDARYTime to the First CSBMsfrom the time of their first treatment to the time they having their first CSBMsThe number of participants providing data of time to the first CSBMs was 272 in EA group and 266 in prucalopride group.daysMEDIAN
SECONDARYChange From Baseline in Mean Score of Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Lifeweek 4 and week 8
The number of participants providing data of PAC-QOL was 261 in EA group and 260 in prucalopride group at week 4; The number of participants providing data of PAC-QOL was 261 in EA group and 257 in prucalopride group at week 8.
scoreMEAN
OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIEDProportion of Patients Using Rescue Medicine Over Weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.over weeks 1-2, 3-8, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.percentage of participantsNUMBER

Results by group110

Each measurement the trial posted, group by group, in the words and numbers it posted.

OutcomeGroupCategoryValueSpreadUnits
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 3-8Electro-acupuncture36.2percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 3-8Prucalopride37.8percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.Electro-acupunctureweeks 1-227.1percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.Prucaloprideweeks 1-233.8percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.Electro-acupunctureweeks 11-1238.3percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.Prucaloprideweeks 11-1243.2percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.Electro-acupunctureweeks 15-1638.0percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.Prucaloprideweeks 15-1641.0percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.Electro-acupunctureweeks 19-2035.7percentage of participants
the Proportion of Participants With ≥3 Mean Weekly CSBMs Over Weeks 1-2, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20, 31-32.Prucaloprideweeks 19-2042.1percentage of participants

Participant flow18

How many started, completed or left each group, period by period.

PeriodMilestoneGroupParticipantsUnits counted
BaselineSTARTEDElectro-acupuncture280
BaselineSTARTEDPrucalopride280
BaselineCOMPLETEDElectro-acupuncture277
BaselineCOMPLETEDPrucalopride278
BaselineNOT COMPLETEDElectro-acupuncture3
BaselineNOT COMPLETEDPrucalopride2
Treatment Period (8 Weeks )STARTEDElectro-acupuncture277
Treatment Period (8 Weeks )STARTEDPrucalopride278
Treatment Period (8 Weeks )COMPLETEDElectro-acupuncture266
Treatment Period (8 Weeks )COMPLETEDPrucalopride263

Adverse events110

Each adverse event the trial posted, group by group: the participants affected out of those at risk.

TypeEventOrgan systemGroupAffectedAt riskEvents
otherNauseaGastrointestinal disordersElectro-acupuncture1277
otherNauseaGastrointestinal disordersPrucalopride22278
otherAbdominal PainGastrointestinal disordersElectro-acupuncture4277
otherAbdominal PainGastrointestinal disordersPrucalopride38278
otherFeverGeneral disordersElectro-acupuncture2277
otherFeverGeneral disordersPrucalopride4278
otherFaintGeneral disordersElectro-acupuncture1277
otherFaintGeneral disordersPrucalopride5278
otherDiarrheaGastrointestinal disordersElectro-acupuncture4277
otherDiarrheaGastrointestinal disordersPrucalopride36278

Adverse event totals6

The totals the trial posted for each group.

TotalGroupAffectedAt risk
Total, all-cause mortalityElectro-acupuncture
Total, all-cause mortalityPrucalopride
Total, other adverse eventsElectro-acupuncture49277
Total, other adverse eventsPrucalopride123278
Total, serious adverse eventsElectro-acupuncture1277
Total, serious adverse eventsPrucalopride0278

Papers3

The papers the trial lists on ClinicalTrials.gov.

PMIDListed asSource
25055821BACKGROUNDPubMed
33273258RESULTPubMed
41080507DERIVEDPubMed

Grants0

The grants NIH RePORTER links to the trial, newest funded first: NIH's, and some of AHRQ's, CDC's, FDA's and VA's. Each shows its title, principal investigators, organization and funder in its newest year.

None in this release.

Trial comparisons1

Comparisons of the trial's two groups, calculated by ConductScience from the counts it posted.

Comparison
Electro-acupuncture vs Prucalopride: serious adverse events

Tests0

The ConductCognition tests this trial's registered outcomes name, as ScienceGraph matched them in trial-tests-2026-11-12-0.2.1.

None in this release.

Data dates

The day each source was copied for this release.

ClinicalTrials.gov
2026-11-12
ClinicalTrials.gov
Results, from AACT
2026-03-23
AACT
NIH grant links
2026-11-13
NIH RePORTER

Sources 3

  • ClinicalTrials.gov's posted results, through CTTI's AACTFreely available. Acknowledgement requested
  • ClinicalTrials.govNo license stated
  • NIH RePORTER's clinical studies and project filesPublic domain
Each source's terms
  • ClinicalTrials.gov's posted results, through CTTI's AACTClinicalTrials.gov data via Aggregate Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov (AACT), CTTI. CTTI makes its materials freely available and requests acknowledgement. https://aact.ctti-clinicaltrials.org/documentation/299
  • ClinicalTrials.govnone stated
  • NIH RePORTER's clinical studies and project filesPublic domain (NIH RePORTER)

ClinicalTrials.gov's data carry an international copyright outside the United States: https://clinicaltrials.gov/about-site/terms-conditions.

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