CompletedPhase 1/2

The Herbal Acupoint Patch for Dialysis Patient With Fistula-related Pain

Taiwan21 participantsStarted 2024-02-15

Plain-language summary

To evaluate the effect of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention on pain relief, mood and quality of life (QOL) in hemodialytic patients at a dialysis center in Southern Taiwan.

Who can participate

Age range

20 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: * maintenance HD \> 6 months , * reporting fistula pain during HD sessions that was associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band, at least 6 times in the past month, * a NRS pain score \>4, * no changes in pain relievers such as NSAIDs, opioids, topical ointments, or muscle relaxants over the past week, * voluntarily agreed to participate in the trial and presented written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * severe comorbid organ dysfunction, * existence of cervical radiculopathy or thoracic outlet syndrome * inflammation of the skin or soft tissue at the fistula site, * dementia, * psychiatric diseases, * allergy to herbal patch * currently participating in other clinical studies

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

Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)

Timeframe: Weeks 0 (baseline), 2, 4, and 6 (2 weeks of follow-up)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07380581

SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-08-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More End Stage Chronic Renal Failure trials

Who can participate

Age range

20 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.