A study of the effect of combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine (Ban Xia Xie Xin Decoction) on patients with sepsis-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction

Yanfei Lv,Feng Dong,Hao Hao,Li Kong

doi:10.4314/tjpr.v20i9.27

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of combination of acupuncture and Ban Xia Xie Xin Decoction (BXXXD) in patients with sepsis-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction.Methods: A total of 100 patients with sepsis and gastrointestinal dysfunction admitted to our hospitalfrom June 2019 to December 2020 were randomly assigned to a control group and a study group for a retrospective analysis. Both groups received acupuncture treatment, while BXXXD was given to the study group, in addition to acupuncture. Treatment effectiveness, incidence of adverse reactions, degree of recurrence at 1, 2 and 3 months after treatment, gastrointestinal dysfunction scores after 1week of treatment, quality of life index (QLI) scores, frequencies of flatulence and defecation within 48 h, number of bowel rumblings, as well as levels of gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK), were determined and compared between the two groups.Results: The group with BXXXD intervention demonstrated superior treatment effectiveness, QLI cores, frequencies of flatulence and defecation within 48 h, number of bowel rumblings, and level of gastrin than those who received only acupuncture treatment (p < 0.05). There was strong evidence of lower incidence of adverse reactions, recurrence at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment; gastrointestinal dysfunction scores and CCK levels after 1 week of treatment was higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The combination of acupuncture and BXXXD is superior to acupuncture alone in sepsis patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction. The combination therapy produces its effect by decreasing clinical symptoms, promoting recovery of the patients, and elevating their quality of life.

Highlights

Sepsis-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction refers to a decrease in gastrointestinal function due to sepsis in patients, resulting in indigestion, constipation, gastric aches and pains [1,2,3]
Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, edema, aberrantly elevated blood sugar, and Sepsis is linked to gastrointestinal dysfunction
Ban Xia Xie Xin Decoction (BXXXD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine made from pinellia, astragalus, dried ginger, and ginseng, and it is used for the treatment of acute and chronic gastroenteritis

Summary

Introduction

Sepsis-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction refers to a decrease in gastrointestinal function due to sepsis in patients, resulting in indigestion, constipation, gastric aches and pains [1,2,3]. Sepsis is an important cause of death in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. It manifests in fever, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, edema, aberrantly elevated blood sugar, and function, shock, unconsciousness or even death [4,5,6]. Simultaneous treatment is important for patients with sepsis and gastrointestinal dysfunction, to avoid further progression of the disease. Chinese medicine is effective for regulation of gastrointestinal function, enhancement of gastrointestinal peristalsis, and mitigation of indigestion and constipation. The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of combination of acupuncture and BXXXD on patients with sepsis and gastrointestinal dysfunction

Methods

Results

Conclusion