Objective:

2

To investigate the immediate effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on endometrial blood flow among recurrent implantation failure (RIF) patients.

Methods:

2

Eighty RIF patients

enrolled from March 2022 to December 2022

were randomly allocated into either the EA group (40 cases) or the waiting-list (WL) group (40 cases) by using a random number table. The EA group underwent acupuncture at points of Shenting (GV 24)

Baihui (GV 4)

Benshen (GB 13)

bilateral Zigong (EX-CA 1)

Huangshu (KI 16)

Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Xuehai (SP10)

and electric acupuncture apparatus was connected to EX-CA 1

KI 16

SP 6

and SP 10 with disperse-dense waves at 4/20 Hz frequencies for 30 min after transvaginal ultrasound

while the WL group received no intervention. The primary outcome measured was the endometrial volume blood flow. The secondary outcomes included the bilateral uterine artery index

endometrial volume

endometrial blood flow type

vascular distribution index (VI

MV

) for endometrial and ovary

clinical pregnancy rate

and embryo implantation rate.

Results:

2

In the EA group

there was a notable decrease in the bilateral pulsatility index and a significant improvement in the endometrial blood flow type post-EA (

P

<

0.05). Both the endometrial blood flow type and VI

MV

for the endometrium and right ovary were markedly higher in the EA group compared to the WL group post-treatment (

P

<

0.05). Conversely

no significant disparities were observed in vascular index

flow index

vascular blood flow index

uterine arterial blood flow indices

endometrial volume

clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate between the two groups after treatment (

P

>

0.05). Besides

no adverse events related to EA were observed.

Conclusions:

2

EA can promptly ameliorate VI

MV

for the endometrial and right ovary

and endometrial blood flow type. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to investigate the long-term effects of EA on blood flow of RIF patients and its implications for pregnancy outcomes. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200057377)