Efeitos da auriculoterapia na redução de náuseas e vômitos em gestantes: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of auriculotherapy in the reduction of nausea, vomiting and retching during the first trimester of pregnancy. Experimental study, randomized controlled trial, carried out in Fortaleza, in two Primary Health Care Units. Pregnant women up to 13 gestational weeks with symptoms of nausea and vomiting were enrolled in the study. Participants were divided in two groups: intervention (auriculotherapy with seeds) and placebo (sham points), both groups also received dietary orientations, as recommended by the Ministry of Health. At the end of the study, 56 pregnant women participated, 28 in the intervention group and 28 in the placebo group. The intervention had three moments: pre-assessment with measurement of the symptoms of nausea, vomiting and retching, sociodemographic, clinical and dietary habits questionnaire, followed by two more moments, the 1st and 2nd follow ups, performed during the 4th and 7th days of intervention, in which the symptoms of nausea, vomiting and retching were re-evaluated. Data were tabulated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program, version 24.0. Sciences, versão 24.0. Ethical aspects were respected. There was a reduction in nausea and vomiting in both groups over time, however, there was no significant difference between the groups, despite perceiving larger reduction in the intervention group. There was a statistically significant difference in the comparative analysis of the nausea reduction intragroups, from baseline to the first follow-up, from the first to the second follow up and from the baseline to the second follow-up. The variables that were related with reduced symptoms of nausea and vomiting during the study were: age (in years) gestational age and time of symptoms up until the 1st follow up; gestational age and number of pregnancies in the placebo group; BMI and onset of symptoms in the intervention group. Pregnant women in the intervention group were amongst the ones in use of ferrous sulfate and that did not referred food interference related to the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Use of painkillers, morning snacks intake, lack of protein intake, lack of vegetables/legumes intake, lack of fruit intake and food interference related to nausea and vomiting were associated with increased symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The intervention presented efficacy in the reduction of nausea, vomiting and retching symptoms in a global manner, evaluating the onset of the intervention. New clinical trials are believed to be performed, with more professionals and time availability, so that an increased number of auriculotherapy sessions may be possible, obtaining wider data for better precision in analyzing the effects of the intervention in the symptoms of nausea, vomiting and retching.