Bloodletting Acupuncture at Sifeng Points (EX-UE-10) for Regulating Th1/Th2 Balance in Pediatric Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia in children, and the emergence of macrolide-resistant strains underscores the need to explore effective adjunctive therapies. This article introduces a randomized controlled trial protocol to evaluate the clinical and immunological effects of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy. The study includes children diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia who are receiving standardized azithromycin treatment. The primary objective is to determine whether a specific acupuncture procedure applied to the fingers can modulate the host's immune response by altering serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), which reflect the Th1/Th2 cell balance. This method describes the case selection criteria, randomization grouping, a detailed acupuncture intervention protocol, and assessment of clinical symptoms and immunological markers. This study aims to provide scientific evidence for the application of acupuncture as a non-pharmacological intervention, with the expectation of shortening the course of pediatric pneumonia and reducing its inflammatory response.