Acupuncture cost-effective for allergic rhinitis

A German study has assessed the cost-effectiveness of adjunctive acupuncture treatment for allergic rhinitis. 981 patients were randomly allocated to two groups; both received usual care, but one group additionally received ten acupuncture sessions. Quality of life and direct and indirect costs were assessed at baseline and after three months, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of acupuncture treatment was calculated. The study concluded that acupuncture, supplementary to routine care, was beneficial and, according to international benchmarks, cost-effective. (Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture in women and men with allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled study in usual care. Am J Epidemiol. 2009 Mar 1;169(5):562-71).