Safety and Efficacy of Keishi-Bukuryo-Gan in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage during the Acute Period:CT Image-Based Analysis of the Clearance of Hematoma

Abstract

Keishi-Bukuryo-Gan(KBG)is a traditional Japanese(Kampo)formula used to improve microcirculation and a congestive condition called "Oketsu". KBG is also used to prevent the development of atherosclerosis. Many patients with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)have comorbid diseases related to atherosclerosis;thus, KBG may be a treatment option for ICH. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the administration of KBG in patients with ICH during the acute phase affects the course of absorption of ICH, detected using computed tomography(CT). We identified 308 patients with ICH who were diagnosed and treated at our institution from April 2013 to June 2016. Among them, 53 patients were chosen based on the accessibility of CT images, patient background, and past history. The volume and CT value of the hematoma were analyzed at admission, one week(six to eight days)after admission, and two weeks(thirteen to sixteen days)after admission. There were no significant differences between KBG and non-KBG patients in terms of the background parameters, hematoma volume, or CT value at admission. However, there were significant differences in both the volume reduction ratio(non-KBG=64.3±8.4%, KBG=48.5±14.5%, p=0.03)and CT value(non-KBG=48.5±4.6HU, KBG=44.0±7.0HU, p=0.04)two weeks after admission. Significant improvement in the absorption of ICH was observed in KBG patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report that shows the facilitative effect of KBG on intracranial hematoma clearance during the acute phase.