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Invitation to an international multicenter study of the effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Invitation to an international multicenter study of the effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection Stefan Dieterle, M.D. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Witten/Herdecke, Dortmund, Germany
Acupuncture might have a positive effect on the outcome of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Further evidence is required before acupuncture can be recommended as a routine method. (Fertil Steril威 2006;85:1370. ©2006 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)
We appreciate the comments of Drs. Collins, Myers, and Domar. Our study was intended to contribute to the ongoing debate about the effect of acupuncture on the outcome of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. As all authors agree, more evidence has to be accumulated before the efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture can be evaluated. The validity, importance, and relevance of a study depend on its design. Randomization and allocation concealment are crucial. In our study, there were no restricReceived January 10, 2006; revised and accepted January 10, 2006. Reprint requests: Stefan Dieterle, M.D., University of Witten/Herdecke, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Olpe 19, Dortmund D-44135, Germany (FAX: 49-231-55754598; E-mail: [email protected]).
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tions, such as blocking or stratification. The allocation was concealed from all clinical and trial personnel and was blind to the patient. All comments encourage further trials to contribute to the body of evidence. Therefore, we suggest the establishment of an international multicenter study group to evaluate acupuncture in the early luteal phase, using standardized acupuncture points, placebo needles, live births as the primary outcome, and an a priori hypothesis for the number of study groups, as suggested by Dr. Myers. According to Dr. Collins, a suitable quality score has to be applied, and as Dr. Domar states, good science is always needed. We would like to invite all interested researchers to participate and to contact the author for further details.
Fertility and Sterility姞 Vol. 85, No. 5, May 2006 Copyright ©2006 American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Published by Elsevier Inc.
0015-0282/06/$32.00 doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.01.008
Acupuncture might have a positive effect on the outcome of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Further evidence is required before acupuncture can be recommended as a routine method. (Fertil Steril威 2006;85:1370. ©2006 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)
We appreciate the comments of Drs. Collins, Myers, and Domar. Our study was intended to contribute to the ongoing debate about the effect of acupuncture on the outcome of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. As all authors agree, more evidence has to be accumulated before the efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture can be evaluated. The validity, importance, and relevance of a study depend on its design. Randomization and allocation concealment are crucial. In our study, there were no restricReceived January 10, 2006; revised and accepted January 10, 2006. Reprint requests: Stefan Dieterle, M.D., University of Witten/Herdecke, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Olpe 19, Dortmund D-44135, Germany (FAX: 49-231-55754598; E-mail: [email protected]).
1370
tions, such as blocking or stratification. The allocation was concealed from all clinical and trial personnel and was blind to the patient. All comments encourage further trials to contribute to the body of evidence. Therefore, we suggest the establishment of an international multicenter study group to evaluate acupuncture in the early luteal phase, using standardized acupuncture points, placebo needles, live births as the primary outcome, and an a priori hypothesis for the number of study groups, as suggested by Dr. Myers. According to Dr. Collins, a suitable quality score has to be applied, and as Dr. Domar states, good science is always needed. We would like to invite all interested researchers to participate and to contact the author for further details.
Fertility and Sterility姞 Vol. 85, No. 5, May 2006 Copyright ©2006 American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Published by Elsevier Inc.
0015-0282/06/$32.00 doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.01.008