Five patients with severe burns and refractory infections treated using the traditional Japanese medicine juzentaihoto

Abstract

Abstract Immunodeficient patients such as those with severe burn injuries are usually at risk for systemic infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP). Juzentaihoto (JTT) is a traditional Japanese herbal complex used for the treatment of fatigue, anemia, weakness, hypotension, malaise following illness or surgery, and chronic wasting diseases. We treated 5 patients with severe burn injuries and concurrent MRSA, MDRP, or Candida infections using JTT. All patients had flame burns (40%–85% body surface area) and inhalation injuries. The patients developed MRSA, MDRP, or Candida infections following burn injuries, and antibiotics such as arbekacin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, or antimycotic drugs failed to control the infections. Subsequent to antibiotic failure, JTT was administered. Four patients showed negative bacterial cultures following JTT treatment. Thus, we conclude that JTT may be useful as a treatment against anemia and infection caused by severe burns.