WithdrawnNot Applicable

Auricular Acupressure Therapy for Patients With IC/BPS

Stopped: withdrawn by the sponsor due to personal constraints and limited funding

0Started 2024-07

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of administering auricular acupressure for patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), and evaluating the efficacy of auricular acupressure to reduce pain scores and decrease pain medication usage over time.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 18 years * History of documented interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) * Able to read and understand informed consent form in English Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a history of skin disease (e.g. psoriasis) involving the ear, adhesive allergy, recent scar tissue on ear, or current abrasions or cuts on the ear * Cognitive impairment (e.g. delirium, dementia) * Physical impairment preventing them from applying daily pressure/stimulation to ear seeds * Patients with cardiac pacemakers (contraindication to POINTER PAL) * Use of some types of hearing aids (which could potentially obstruct placements of ear seeds) * Any acute illness or psychiatric conditions that would impact adherence to the study requirements

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Baseline

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 1

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 2

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 3

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 4

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 5

Change in Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity (PEG) Assessment Scores

Timeframe: Day 5

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05857020

SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Interstitial Cystitis trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Baseline

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 1

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 2

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 3

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 4

Pain scores using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: Day 5

Change in Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity (PEG) Assessment Scores

Timeframe: Day 5