Table 2

Baseline characteristics of patients providing post randomization data. Values are number (percentage) or mean (standard deviation)


Acupuncture n = 25
Placebo n = 20

Female
15 (60%)
13 (65%)
Age
63.0 (12.8)
67.0 (11.4)
Diagnosis


     breast
5 (20%)
4 (20%)
     lung
20 (80%)
16 (80%)
Breathless at rest
9 (36%)
6 (30%)
Credibility score*
2.24 (0.46)
2.10 (0.59)
Steroid use:**


     None
15 (60%)
9 (47%)
     <40 mg prednisone equivalents
6 (24%)
8 (42%)
     40+ mg prednisone equivalents
4 (16%)
2 (11%)
Diuretics**
3 (12%)
0 (0%)
Opiates**
5 (20%)
3 (16%)
Bronchodilators**
12 (48%)
7 (37%)
Fully compliant with acupressure+
8 (80%)°
6 (75%)°°

* two missing observations in acupuncture group; three missing observations in placebo group

** one missing observation in placebo group

+ n = 10 acupuncture, n = 8 placebo

° one patient completely non-compliant, one patient 85% compliant

°° one patient 33% compliant, one patient 85% compliant

Vickers et al. BMC Palliative Care 2005 4:5   doi:10.1186/1472-684X-4-5