Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture for ICU Sepsis Patients

Hwato brand disposable acupuncture needles (size 0.30 × 40 mm), and SDZ-V EA apparatuses will be used. Participants in the EA group will receive acupuncture at bilateral ST36 and GB34. After sterilisation, sterile adhesive pads will be placed on bilateral ST36 and GB34, and acupuncture needles will be inserted through the adhesive pads approximately 20 to 30 mm into the skin. Following needle insertion, manual manipulation of needles will be performed on all needles to reach de qi (a composite of sensations including soreness, numbness, distention, heaviness, and other sensations). Then, paired electrodes from the EA apparatus will be attached transversely to the needle handles at bilateral ST36 and GB34. EA stimulation lasted for 30 minutes with a continuous wave of 10 Hz and a current intensity of 0.5 to 1 mA (preferably with the skin around the acupoints shivering mildly without pain). Participants will receive 6 treatment sessions once daily for 6 consecutive days.

Non-insertive placebo needles (size 0.30 × 30 mm), and SDZ-V EA apparatuses will be used. Participants in the sham EA group will receive sham EA with a non-insertive placebo needle on sham acupoints. The sham ST36 point is located at 1 cun (≈20 mm) lateral to ST36, and the sham GB34 point is located at 1 cun (≈20mm) lateral to GB 34. Procedures, electrode placements, and other treatment settings will be the same as in the EA group but with no skin penetration, electricity output, or de qi.