Effects of immunoglobulin combined with acupuncture therapy for children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease complicated with limb flaccid paralysis

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of immunoglobulin combined with acupuncture therapy on limb function and prognosis and rehabilitation in children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease and limb flaccid paralysis. Methods A total of 48 children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease and limb flaccid paralysis admitted to our hospital from January, 2016 to January, 2019 were selected, and divided into an observation group and a control group by random number table method, with 24 cases in each group. The two groups were given conventional therapies, such as exercise therapy, neurotrophic drugs and hyperbaric oxygen therapy; in addition, the observation group was given immunoglobulin and acupuncture therapy. The clinical efficacy, recovery times of neurological signs (muscle tension recovery time and tendon reflex recovery time), D and E functional areas of lower extremity motor function [Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)], and cytokines [anti-GM1 antibody, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] before and 5 d after the treatment were compared between the two groups. Results The total effective rate was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The muscle tension recovery time and tendon reflex recovery time were lower in the observation group than in the control group (both P<0.05). 5 d after the treatment, the scores of D and E areas of GMFM scale were higher than those before the treatment in the two groups, and were higher in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05). 5 d after the treatment, the anti-GM1 antibody, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were lower than those before the treatment in the two groups, and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion Immunoglobulin combined with acupuncture therapy in children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease complicated with limb flaccid paralysis can help the recovery of limb function and improve the prognosis. Its immunoregulatory effects of anti-GM1 antibody, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and other cytokines are the possible mechanisms. Key words: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease; Children with limb flaccid paralysis; Immunoglobulin; Acupuncture therapy; Limb function; Prognosis and rehabilitation