Laser Acupuncture on Dry Eye and Sjögren's Syndrome-related Dry Eye Symptoms (LADESJS)

NCT ID: NCT06780293

Last Updated: 2025-04-09

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

PHASE2

Total Enrollment

140 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-02-03

Study Completion Date

2026-12-31

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of adding laser acupuncture at Fengchi (GB20), Zanzhu (BL2), Hegu (LI4), and Quchi (LI11) acupoints to standard care for the treatment of dry eye symptoms in both Sjögren's Syndrome-related dry eye (SJS-DES) and non-Sjögren's Syndrome-related dry eye (Non-SJS-DES) populations. A total of 140 dry eye patients will be recruited and divided into two groups: 70 participants with SJS-DES and 70 with Non-SJS-DES. Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: Sham+LA group (60 participants receiving 4 weeks of placebo laser acupuncture followed by 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture), LA+LA group (60 participants receiving 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture followed by another 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture), and a Waiting List group (20 participants receiving no laser acupuncture treatment). Each session will target the Fengchi (GB20), Zanzhu (BL2), Hegu (LI4), and Quchi (LI11) acupoints bilaterally, performed twice a week. The total study period is 8 weeks, and the treatment efficacy will be assessed at the end of the 8-week treatment. The Waiting List group (20 participants) will not receive any laser acupuncture treatment during this period. Efficacy will be evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis, TCM constitution questionnaire, TCM heart rate variability analysis, nailfold microcirculation assessment, and iris examination. This study aims to investigate the impact of laser acupuncture on dry eye symptom improvement and the potential markers that differentiate between SJS-DES and Non-SJS-DES patients. The goal is to develop a comprehensive integrated care model for early screening, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans for Dry Eye Syndrome and Sjögren's Syndrome, achieving the ultimate objective of "Holistic Health Care."

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Method: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of adding laser acupuncture at Fengchi (GB20), Zanzhu (BL2), Hegu (LI4), and Quchi (LI11) acupoints to standard care for the treatment of dry eye symptoms in both Sjögren's Syndrome-related dry eye (SJS-DES) and non-Sjögren's Syndrome-related dry eye (Non-SJS-DES) populations. A total of 140 dry eye patients will be recruited and divided into two groups: 70 participants with SJS-DES and 70 with Non-SJS-DES. Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: Sham+LA group (60 participants receiving 4 weeks of placebo laser acupuncture followed by 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture), LA+LA group (60 participants receiving 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture followed by another 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture), and a Waiting List group (20 participants receiving no laser acupuncture treatment). Each session will target the Fengchi (GB20), Zanzhu (BL2), Hegu (LI4), and Quchi (LI11) acupoints bilaterally, performed twice a week. The total study period is 8 weeks, and the treatment efficacy will be assessed at the end of the 8-week treatment. The Waiting List group (20 participants) will not receive any laser acupuncture treatment during this period. Efficacy will be evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis, TCM constitution questionnaire, TCM heart rate variability analysis, nailfold microcirculation assessment, and iris examination. This study aims to investigate the impact of laser acupuncture on dry eye symptom improvement and the potential markers that differentiate between SJS-DES and Non-SJS-DES patients. The goal is to develop a comprehensive integrated care model for early screening, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans for Dry Eye Syndrome and Sjögren's Syndrome, achieving the ultimate objective of "Holistic Health Care."

Expected Results:

1. Assess the therapeutic differences between Sham+LA and LA+LA groups in the SJS-DES population.
2. Assess the therapeutic differences between Sham+LA and LA+LA groups in the Non-SJS-DES population.
3. Evaluate the therapeutic differences between the SJS-DES and Non-SJS-DES populations.

Keywords: Dry eye syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome, Laser Acupuncture, GB20, BL2, LI4, LI11

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) Laser Acupuncture Sjögren's Syndrome (SS)

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

A total of 140 dry eye patients will be recruited and divided into two groups: 70 participants with SJS-DES and 70 with Non-SJS-DES. Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: Sham+LA group (60 participants receiving 4 weeks of placebo laser acupuncture followed by 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture), LA+LA group (60 participants receiving 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture followed by another 4 weeks of active laser acupuncture), and a Waiting List group (20 participants receiving no laser acupuncture treatment).
Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

QUADRUPLE

Participants Caregivers Investigators Outcome Assessors
The randomization process will be conducted by a statistical expert using permuted block randomization to generate a "Clinical Trial Randomized Allocation Table." The allocation details will be sealed in envelopes to ensure blinding. Additionally, individual decoding envelopes will be prepared for each participant to allow emergency unblinding without compromising the trial's integrity. The randomization table and grouping details will be securely stored by the statistical expert and the principal investigator, while the individual decoding envelopes will be kept exclusively by the principal investigator.

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

LA+LA group of SJS-DES

LA+LA group of SJS-DES will receive laser acupuncture at acupoint GB20, BL2, LI4 and LI11 twice a week 8 weeks for efficacy evaluation. And we could use the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis, TCM constitution questionnaire, TCM heart rate variability analysis, nailfold microcirculation assessment, and iris examination for this purpose.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Laser acupuncture (LA)

Intervention Type OTHER

The RJ-Laser acupuncture device (Reimers \& Janssen GmbH, Waldkirch, Germany) is used with a laser wavelength of 810 nm (infrared). The Bahr frequency B3 is set at 2398 Hz, with an energy output of 400 mW, operating in intermittent pulse mode. Each acupoint is irradiated for 15 seconds. A total of 8 bilateral acupoints are treated per session, with a total treatment time of approximately 120 seconds.

Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Schirmer's test

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Schirmer's test.

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the OSDI test.

EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the ESSPRI.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis.

nailfold microcirculation assessment

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the nailfold microcirculation assessment.

iris examination

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the iris examination.

Sham+LA group of SJS-DES

Sham+LA group of SJS-DES will receive sham acupuncture twice a week 4 weeks and then laser acupuncture at acupoint GB20, BL2, LI4 and LI11 twice a week 4 weeks for efficacy evaluation. And we could use the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis, TCM constitution questionnaire, TCM heart rate variability analysis, nailfold microcirculation assessment, and iris examination for this purpose.

Group Type SHAM_COMPARATOR

Laser acupuncture (LA)

Intervention Type OTHER

The RJ-Laser acupuncture device (Reimers \& Janssen GmbH, Waldkirch, Germany) is used with a laser wavelength of 810 nm (infrared). The Bahr frequency B3 is set at 2398 Hz, with an energy output of 400 mW, operating in intermittent pulse mode. Each acupoint is irradiated for 15 seconds. A total of 8 bilateral acupoints are treated per session, with a total treatment time of approximately 120 seconds.

Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Schirmer's test

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Schirmer's test.

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the OSDI test.

EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the ESSPRI.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis.

nailfold microcirculation assessment

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the nailfold microcirculation assessment.

iris examination

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the iris examination.

Sham Laser Acupuncture

Intervention Type OTHER

The RJ-Laser acupuncture device (Reimers \& Janssen GmbH, Waldkirch, Germany) is used with a laser wavelength of 810 nm (infrared). The Bahr frequency B3 is set at 2398 Hz, with an energy output of 400 mW, operating in intermittent pulse mode. Each acupoint is irradiated for 15 seconds. A total of 8 bilateral acupoints are treated per session, with a total treatment time of approximately 120 seconds.

The sham laser acupuncture procedure follows the same process as the true laser acupuncture protocol, including the positioning, cleaning of acupoints, and wearing of protective goggles. However, no laser emission is delivered during the treatment. This ensures a consistent experience for the patient while maintaining the blinding integrity of the study.

LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES

LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES will receive laser acupuncture at acupoint GB20, BL2, LI4 and LI11 twice a week 8 weeks for efficacy evaluation. And we could use the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis, TCM constitution questionnaire, TCM heart rate variability analysis, nailfold microcirculation assessment, and iris examination for this purpose.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Laser acupuncture (LA)

Intervention Type OTHER

The RJ-Laser acupuncture device (Reimers \& Janssen GmbH, Waldkirch, Germany) is used with a laser wavelength of 810 nm (infrared). The Bahr frequency B3 is set at 2398 Hz, with an energy output of 400 mW, operating in intermittent pulse mode. Each acupoint is irradiated for 15 seconds. A total of 8 bilateral acupoints are treated per session, with a total treatment time of approximately 120 seconds.

Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Schirmer's test

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Schirmer's test.

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the OSDI test.

EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the ESSPRI.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis.

nailfold microcirculation assessment

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the nailfold microcirculation assessment.

iris examination

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the iris examination.

Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES

Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES will receive sham acupuncture twice a week 4 weeks and then laser acupuncture at acupoint GB20, BL2, LI4 and LI11 twice a week 4 weeks for efficacy evaluation. And we could use the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis, TCM constitution questionnaire, TCM heart rate variability analysis, nailfold microcirculation assessment, and iris examination for this purpose.

Group Type SHAM_COMPARATOR

Laser acupuncture (LA)

Intervention Type OTHER

The RJ-Laser acupuncture device (Reimers \& Janssen GmbH, Waldkirch, Germany) is used with a laser wavelength of 810 nm (infrared). The Bahr frequency B3 is set at 2398 Hz, with an energy output of 400 mW, operating in intermittent pulse mode. Each acupoint is irradiated for 15 seconds. A total of 8 bilateral acupoints are treated per session, with a total treatment time of approximately 120 seconds.

Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Schirmer's test

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Schirmer's test.

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the OSDI test.

EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the ESSPRI.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis.

nailfold microcirculation assessment

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the nailfold microcirculation assessment.

iris examination

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the iris examination.

Sham Laser Acupuncture

Intervention Type OTHER

The RJ-Laser acupuncture device (Reimers \& Janssen GmbH, Waldkirch, Germany) is used with a laser wavelength of 810 nm (infrared). The Bahr frequency B3 is set at 2398 Hz, with an energy output of 400 mW, operating in intermittent pulse mode. Each acupoint is irradiated for 15 seconds. A total of 8 bilateral acupoints are treated per session, with a total treatment time of approximately 120 seconds.

The sham laser acupuncture procedure follows the same process as the true laser acupuncture protocol, including the positioning, cleaning of acupoints, and wearing of protective goggles. However, no laser emission is delivered during the treatment. This ensures a consistent experience for the patient while maintaining the blinding integrity of the study.

Waiting list

Group Waiting list will not receive any treatment at acupoint GB20, BL2, LI4 and LI11 twice a week 8 weeks for efficacy evaluation. And we could use the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis, TCM constitution questionnaire, TCM heart rate variability analysis, nailfold microcirculation assessment, and iris examination for this purpose.

Group Type OTHER

Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Schirmer's test

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Schirmer's test.

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the OSDI test.

EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI)

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the ESSPRI.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis.

nailfold microcirculation assessment

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the nailfold microcirculation assessment.

iris examination

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the iris examination.

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Laser acupuncture (LA)

The RJ-Laser acupuncture device (Reimers \& Janssen GmbH, Waldkirch, Germany) is used with a laser wavelength of 810 nm (infrared). The Bahr frequency B3 is set at 2398 Hz, with an energy output of 400 mW, operating in intermittent pulse mode. Each acupoint is irradiated for 15 seconds. A total of 8 bilateral acupoints are treated per session, with a total treatment time of approximately 120 seconds.

Intervention Type OTHER

Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Schirmer's test

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Schirmer's test.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the OSDI test.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI)

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the ESSPRI.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution questionnaire.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heart rate variability analysis.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

nailfold microcirculation assessment

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the nailfold microcirculation assessment.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

iris examination

LA+LA group of SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of SJS-DES, LA+LA group of Non-SJS-DES, Sham+LA group of Non-SJS-DES and Waiting list will take the iris examination.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Sham Laser Acupuncture

The RJ-Laser acupuncture device (Reimers \& Janssen GmbH, Waldkirch, Germany) is used with a laser wavelength of 810 nm (infrared). The Bahr frequency B3 is set at 2398 Hz, with an energy output of 400 mW, operating in intermittent pulse mode. Each acupoint is irradiated for 15 seconds. A total of 8 bilateral acupoints are treated per session, with a total treatment time of approximately 120 seconds.

The sham laser acupuncture procedure follows the same process as the true laser acupuncture protocol, including the positioning, cleaning of acupoints, and wearing of protective goggles. However, no laser emission is delivered during the treatment. This ensures a consistent experience for the patient while maintaining the blinding integrity of the study.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

1. aged between 20 and 75 years
2. Schirmer's test less than 10 mm/5 min


1. primary or secondary SS
2. aged between 20 and 75 years
3. fulfilled the 2002 American-European Consensus Criteria for SS (AECG)
4. had no abnormal findings of immune, liver, kidney, or blood function evaluations.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Pregnancy
2. With eye inflammation or infectious eye disease
3. Accepted operation of eye

* Sjögren's syndrome


1. a history of alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, or major life-threatening condition
2. pregnancy or breastfeeding
3. steroid pulse therapy within three months prior to the commencement of our study.
Minimum Eligible Age

20 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

75 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

Meet the organizations funding or collaborating on the study and learn about their roles.

Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan

OTHER_GOV

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

Identify the individual or organization who holds primary responsibility for the study information submitted to regulators.

Ching-Mao Chang

Director of Division of Integrative Medicine, Center for Traditional Medicine

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Explore where the study is taking place and check the recruitment status at each participating site.

Ching-Mao Chang

Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

Review the countries where the study has at least one active or historical site.

Taiwan

Central Contacts

Reach out to these primary contacts for questions about participation or study logistics.

Ching-Mao Chang, M.D., Ph.D.

Role: CONTACT

886-28757453, 333

Facility Contacts

Find local site contact details for specific facilities participating in the trial.

Ching-Mao Chang, M.D., Ph.D.

Role: primary

88628757453 ext. 333

Other Identifiers

Review additional registry numbers or institutional identifiers associated with this trial.

2024-11-008C

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

More Related Trials

Additional clinical trials that may be relevant based on similarity analysis.

Acupuncture for Dry Eye
NCT01105221 COMPLETED PHASE3
Acupuncture Treatment of Dry Eye
NCT00554879 COMPLETED NA
Effect of Periorbital Massage on Dry Eye Disease
NCT06390644 ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING NA