Acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for acute renal colic caused by urinary calculi: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Acute renal colic caused by urinary calculi (ARCUC) has a considerable impact on the quality of life. Acupuncture might be potential treatment option. However, evidence is limited. We will conduct this trial to evaluate efficacy and safety acupuncture as adjunctive diclofenac for ARCUC. Methods/design A total 80 eligible patients who are diagnosed with stone randomly allocated group or sham group. Each patient receive 1 session acupuncture. The primary outcome response rate achieving reduction > 50% visual analog score (VAS) from baseline 10 min after treatment. Secondary outcomes include VAS, remedial analgesia, re-visit admission rate, blinding assessment, credibility expectancy, adverse event. All randomization included in intent-to-treat analysis. Discussion finding provide results study published peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR 1900025202 . Registered August 16, 2019.