Conventional Western Treatment Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Shenfu Injection on Acute Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThe adjunctive efficacy and safety of Shenfu Injection (SFI) for acute heart failure (AHF) still remains ambiguous even though previous studies made initial conclusions. ObjectiveTo comprehensively evaluate the adjunctive efficacy and safety of SFI in the treatment of AHF. Study designThis was a meta-analysis and systematic review. Methods8 databases were searched for qualified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from May 1990 to May 2022. The primary results included total clinical effective rate (TCER) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The secondary results included left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD), heart rate (HR), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and adverse events (AE). The quality evaluation, meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and publication bias were conducted by RevMan5.3 software. Meta-regression analysis was conducted using Stata software 15.0, and trial sequential analyses (TSA) was performed by TSA program. Finally, the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system was applied for evaluating the quality of evidence. Results61 RCTs containing 5505 AHF patients were included. The meta results demonstrated SFI combined with conventional western treatment (CWT) for AHF was superior to CWT alone in improving the TCER (RR = 1.21; 95% CI (1.18, 1.24); p < 0.001), improving LVEF (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI (0.77,0.92); p < 0.001) and reducing HR (SMD = -0.67; 95% CI (0.80, -0.54) p < 0.001). It had a lower AE rate in the SFI+CWT group (27/753, 3.59%) than the CWT group (68/739, 9.20%) (RR = 0.40; 95% CI (0.26, 0.61); p < 0.001). The outcomes’ evidentiary quality of TCER, HR, LVEF and AE were assessed as moderate. ConclusionAdjunctive use of SFI was safer to improve TCER and heart function of AHF, but the results should be interpreted with cautious for clinical practice until high quality-designed RCTs were require for further confirmation due to poor quality of part of the included studies.

Network meta-analysis of curative efficacy of different acupuncture methods on obesity combined with insulin resistance.

ObjectiveThis study aims to systematically evaluate the curative efficacy of different acupuncture methods in the treatment of obesity combined with insulin resistance in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) by network meta-analysis.MethodsFour Chinese databases (CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, and SinoMed) and four English databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and www.clinicaltrial.gov) were electronically searched to identify qualified studies. Two reviewers independently screened the literature in accordance with the inclusion/exclusion criteria by EndNote 20 software and extracted data by ADDIS1.16.8 software, and then the risk of bias of the included studies were evaluated by the Cochrane tool. Network meta-analysis was performed by Stata 15.1 software. The primary outcomes included fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment—insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and body mass index (BMI). The secondary outcomes included waistline, waist–hip ratio, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).ResultsFive RCTs with a total of 410 patients with obesity combined with insulin resistance were included. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, three kinds of acupuncture methods (electropuncture, acupoint catgut embedding, and acupuncture point patch) had significant efficacy in reducing FBG [electropuncture (MD = -0.44, 95% CI: -0.83, -0.05) and acupoint catgut embedding (MD = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.51, -0.21)], FINS [electropuncture (MD = -6.17, 95% CI: -9.69, -2.65), acupoint catgut embedding (MD = -5.87, 95% CI: -6.92, -4.82), and acupuncture point patch (MD = -5.86, 95% CI: -11.40, -0.32)], HOMA-IR [electropuncture (MD = -1.59, 95% CI: -2.73, -0.45) and acupoint catgut embedding (MD =-0.91, 95% CI: -1.07, -0.75)], BMI [electropuncture (MD = -1.68, 95% CI: -2.70, -0.66), acupoint catgut embedding (MD = -3.39, 95% CI: -4.38, -2.40), and acupuncture point patch [MD = -2.90, 95%CI: -4.93, -0.87)], and waistline [electropuncture (MD = -5.49, 95% CI: -8.56, -2.42) and acupoint catgut embedding (MD = -4.91, 95% CI: -7.51, -2.31)] in obese patients with insulin resistance, suggesting that their efficacy was better than that of the western medicine group in some of the outcome indicators. For the index related to blood lipid, the efficacy of electropuncture was significantly better than behavioral therapy and western medicine. Except that acupoint catgut embedding was superior to electroacupuncture in reducing the BMI, there was no statistically significant difference in efficacy among the three acupuncture methods.ConclusionsThe results showed that the therapeutic effect of acupuncture methods was superior to conventional western treatment alone. Acupuncture methods could serve as an alternative or adjunctive treatment in obese patients with insulin resistance.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://inplasy.com, identifier 202280075.

Efficacy and Safety of Yangyin Shuxin Decoction-a Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula For Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a large subtype of heart failure (HF) characterized by exercise intolerance and reduced quality of life. Studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with conventional Western medicine has a good effect on improving exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with HFpEF, but the overall quality of evidence is low. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of Yangyin Shuxin (YYSX) decoction in the treatment of HFpEF. A prospective, single-blind, single-center, randomized controlled clinical study was conducted. 64 patients with HFpEF were randomly assigned to receive oral YYSX decoction (150 ml, twice a day) combined with conventional Western treatment or conventional Western treatment alone at a ratio of 1 : 1. The course of treatment was 2 weeks, and the follow-up was 3 months. The primary outcome was peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) measured by the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Furthermore, the safety of YYSX decoction was assessed. 63 patients (31 in the YYSX group and 32 in the control group) were included in the full analysis set. The peak VO2 of the YYSX group was significantly higher than that of the control group (12.04 ± 3.41 vs. 11.02 ± 3.33, P = 0.013) after 2 weeks. The maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) was significantly higher in the YYSX group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The YYSX group had a higher EQ-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) score (71.13 ± 13.95 vs. 70.94 ± 13.70, P < 0.05) and a lower TCM Four-Dimensional Diagnostic Information Scale (TCMFDIS) score (49.74 ± 24.73 vs. 64.16 ± 27.15, P < 0.05) than the control group. There was no statistical difference between two groups (P = 0.160), although 51.61% of patients in the YYSX group showed a decrease in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels of at least 30%, compared with 37.50% of patients in the control group. No serious adverse events were reported in either group, but systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased and serum sodium levels increased slightly in the control group. The YYSX decoction combined with conventional Western treatment was superior to the conventional Western treatment alone in improving exercise tolerance, quality of life, and cardiopulmonary function of patients with HFpEF. YYSX decoction is safe and may prevent a drop in blood pressure and sodium retention. Trial Registration. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org/cn/, No. ChiCTR-IOR-17014206).

Integrative treatment of herbal medicine with western medicine on coronary artery lesions in children with Kawasaki disease.

Background:Kawasaki disease (KD) is a major cause of coronary artery lesions (CALs) in children. Approximately 10% to 20% of children treated with intravenous immunoglobulin are intravenous immunoglobulin-resistant. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of adding herbal medicine to conventional western medicines versus conventional western medicines alone for CALs in children with KD.Methods:This study searched 9 electronic databases until August 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria were the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the CALs in children with KD and compared integrative treatment with conventional western treatments. Two authors searched independently for RCTs, including eligible articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.4 software. The effect size was presented as the risk ratio (RR), and the fixed-effect models were used to pool the results.Results:The finally selected 12 studies included a total of 1030 KD patients. According to a meta-analysis, the integrative treatment showed better results than the conventional treatment in the CAL prevalence rate (RR = 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–2.71; P < .00001), CAL recovery rate (RR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05–1.54; P = .02), and total effective rate (RR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11–1.23; P < .00001). Only 2 studies referred to the safety of the treatment. The asymmetrical funnel plot of the CAL prevalence rate indicated the possibility of potential publication bias.Conclusions:This review found the integrative treatment to be more effective in reducing the CAL prevalence rate and increasing the CAL recovery rate and total effective rate in KD patients than conventional western treatment. However, additional well-designed RCTs will be needed further to compensate restrictions of insufficient trials on safety, methodological quality, and publication bias.

Effects of Shen-Yuan-Dan on Periprocedural Myocardial Injury and the Number of Peripheral Blood Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Objectives We aimed to investigate the effects of Shen-Yuan-Dan (SYD), a Chinese medicine preparation, on periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) and the number of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UA) who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Patients were randomly divided into the experimental (group A) and control (group B) groups through the random number table method. In group A, patients concurrently received the conventional western treatment and SYD orally (4 capsules/time, 3 times/d, from 3 d before surgery to 7 d after surgery). In group B, patients received conventional Western medicine treatment. Both groups underwent coronary angiography, and patients undergoing PCI were eventually included in the study. The following patient data were collected: incidence of PMI, serum CK-MB content before PCI, 4 h, 24 h, and 7 d after PCI, number of CD45dim/-CD34+CD309+ peripheral venous EPCs, and number of CD184 coexpressed EPCs. The incidence of adverse reactions and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were also recorded. Results Sixty-two patients were finally included in this study, with 32 and 30 in groups A and B, respectively. In group A, the number of peripheral blood EPCs and the number of CD184 coexpressed EPCs at 1 h before surgery were higher than those at 3 d before surgery (37.24 ± 25.20 vs. 22.78 ± 9.60/ml; P < 0.001 and 23.38 ± 15.30 vs. 13.54 ± 8.08/ml; P < 0.001, resp.). The number of peripheral blood EPCs and number of CD184 coexpressed EPCs at 4 h after surgery were lower than those at 1 h before surgery (25.30 ± 11.90 vs. 37.24 ± 25.20/ml; P=0.019 and 15.38 ± 8.78 vs. 23.38 ± 15.30/ml; P=0.013, resp.), but there was no difference at 24 h and at 7 d after surgery in comparison with that at 1 h before surgery (P > 0.05). In group B, compared with that at 1 h before surgery, there existed a decline in the number of EPCs in peripheral blood and the number of CD184 coexpressed EPCs at 4 h after surgery, but without a statistical difference (P > 0.05). Comparing both groups, it was found that the incidence of PMI in group A was lower (6.25% vs. 26.67%; P=0.04), and the serum CK-MB content at 4 and 24 h after surgery was also lower than that in group B (17.33 ± 5.83 vs. 20.38 ± 4.32 U/l; P=0.048 and 15.79 ± 5.32 vs. 19.10 ± 4.93 U/l; P=0.030, resp.). The number of EPCs in peripheral blood and the number of CD184 coexpressed EPCs in group A were higher than those in group B at 1 h before surgery (37.24 ± 25.20 vs. 22.36 ± 12.26/ml; P=0.034 and 23.38 ± 15.30 vs. 13.12 ± 14.62/ml; P=0.013, resp.). In addition, there were no obvious adverse reactions and no 30-day MACEs in both groups during the trial. Conclusion SYD can reduce PMI and promote the mobilization of EPCs in the perioperative period of elective PCI in patients with UA.

Can traditional Chinese medicine formulas treat BMI-associated hypertension effectively?

The tradition of Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been in use and development for thousands of years, where it has been applied in some form for the treatment of nearly every common illness. TCM is currently undergoing a resurgence in interest and in providing an adjunct to allopathic medical care virtually worldwide. TCM therapeutics may be administered in many forms from capsules, to powders, homogenates, tinctures and decoctions. Si Wu Tang, a derivative of the traditional Chinese including Formulas, is a combination of substances that may function in a synergistic manner to promote a calming effect and an amelioration of symptoms of hypertension. Such formulas are often used in TCM to treat or alleviate a wide range of the common illness and disorders of both Eastern and Western society. Reported beneficial effects include improvements in circulatory, cardiovascular, mood, endocrine metabolic and reproductive disorders. One such TCM formula commonly recommended is the Wu Cao Si Wu Tang [SWT]formula, used to treat the hypertension of obesity and a variety of other disorders. Hypertension is a key risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease; over 7 million US deaths per year may be directly attributed to pathophysiologic complications resulting from poor control of blood pressure. While numerous advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension have had a major impact on decreasing the overall risks and an improved management of this chronic disease, a definitive cure for all causes of hypertension has remained elusive to date. To determine the comparative effectiveness of conventional Western treatment vs. drug free Traditional Oriental Therapy for hypertension, we reviewed the data from independent studies. Wu Cao Si Wu Tang was found to be as effective as allopathic medications in controlling blood pressure in a group of moderately hypertensive patients

Conventional Western Treatment Combined With Chinese Herbal Medicine Alleviates the Progressive Risk of Lung Cancer in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and purpose: Lung cancer has high global incidence and mortality rates. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is strongly associated with lung cancer and is an independent risk factor for lung cancer with or without smoking. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are used to treat COPD. This study sought to determine whether CHM treatment effectively decreases the incidence of lung cancer in COPD patients receiving conventional Western medical treatment. Methods: Records obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) were used to identify 81,780 adults aged ≥18 years newly diagnosed with COPD in Taiwan between 2000 and 2010. Among them, 11,180 received CHMs after COPD diagnosis and 23,319 did not (non-CHM). After excluding patients with missing basic demographic information, each group consisted of 2,682 patients. Statistical methods analyzed the baseline characteristics for both groups and we performed a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to examine the incidence of lung cancer. The cumulative incidence of lung cancer in COPD patients with or without CHM treatment was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The association between herbs and formulas was examined by NodeXL to perform a network analysis of CHM. Results: COPD patients using CHM had a lower risk for lung cancer (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24–0.53, p < 0.001). Older age was associated with a higher risk of lung cancer: patients aged 40–59 years (aHR = 5.32, 95% CI = 2.19–12.94, p < 0.001) and those aged ≥60 years (aHR = 16.75, 95% CI = 7.54–37.23, p < 0.001) were at significantly greater risk compared with patients aged 18–39 years. CHM use was associated with a trend for a lower cumulative incidence of lung cancer compared with non-CHM use (p < 0.001). Among the 10 most commonly used single herbs and formulas used to decrease the risk of lung cancer in COPD patients, Fritillariae thunbergii was the most commonly used single herb and Xiao Qing Long Tang the most commonly used formula. Conclusion: The findings from this nationwide retrospective cohort study indicate that CHM as adjunctive therapy in COPD treatment regimens may reduce the risk of lung cancer in this vulnerable patient population.

A meta-analysis of oral preparation of ginkgo biloba in treating vascular dementia

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral preparation of ginkgo biloba in treating vascular dementia (VD). Methods A fully literature search was conducted in CNKI, Wanfang, Sinomed, VIP databases, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Clinical Trails with the deadline of October, 2018 for randomly controlled trials of oral preparation of ginkgo biloba for vascular dementia. After assessing the quality of literatures included, RevMan5.3 software was used to analyze the extracted data. Results A total of 17 studies which including 1 326 patients were involved. The results of meta-analysis showed that: compared with the western medicine group, oral ginkgo biloba preparation combined with western medicine group was much better in the MMSE assessment [MD=2.89, 95% CI (2.06, -3.72), P=0.000 1], there was no significant difference between the western medicine group and the pure oral ginkgo biloba group in the ADL assessment [MD=-3.00, 95% CI (-4.69, -1.30), P=0.000 5] and overall clinical status assessment [RR=1.29, 95% CI (1.20,1.39), P<0.000 01], the efficacy of the pure oral ginkgo biloba group and western medicine group was similar in the ADL assessment [MD=-0.93, 95% CI (-3.48, 1.63), P=0.48]. Conclusions Based on the meta-analysis, oral preparation of ginkgo biloba combinedwithwesternmedicinehas certain advantages compared with conventional western medicine treatment alone, but a large number of large-sample and high-quality trials are requiredtofurther prove and review its effect. Key words: Dementia, vascular; Preparation of ginkgo biloba; Meta-analysis; Systematic review

Conventional Western Treatment Associated With Chinese Herbal Medicine Ameliorates the Incidence of Head and Neck Cancer Among Patients With Esophageal Cancer.

Background: Because of advances in medical treatment, the survival of cancer patients is prolonged. In line with the prolonged survival time of cancer the incidence of second primary cancer has increased. There is currently no effective way to prevent the occurrence of secondary primary cancer (SPC). Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is correlated with reduced occurrence of second primary cancer (SPC) of head and neck (H&N) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). Method: We identified 15,546 patients who were diagnosed with esophageal cancer between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 31, 2010. The patients with H&N cancer before receiving CHM were excluded. After the selection and matching process, both CHM and non-CHM cohorts each contained 850 individuals. We compared the cumulative incidence of SPC of H&N with or without CHM treatment in patients with EC by the Kaplan-Meier method. NodeXL is used to run a network analysis of CHM to examine the association between herbs and formulas. Results: Compared with non-CHM users, CHM-users showed a reduced incidence rate of SPC of H&N among the patients with EC. Reduced cumulative incidence of SPC of H&N among patients with EC was noted in the CHM cohort compared to the non-CHM cohort. The most commonly used single herbs and formulas were associated with reducing SPC occurrence. Conclusion: We propose that CHM as an adjuvant therapy may prevent the occurrence of SPC of H&N in patients with EC.

Clinical study of electroacupuncture with different frequencies at Lianquan (CV 23) and Fengfu (GV 16) for stroke dysphagia

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequencies based on the western conventional treatment and rehabilita tion training for stroke dysphagia. Sixty patients with dysphagia after stroke were randomized assigned into a low frequency (2 Hz) group and a high frequency (100 Hz) group, 30 cases in each one. Basic treatment was applied in the two groups. The acupoints were Fengfu (GV 16) and Lianquan (CV 23). EA with continuous wave and tolerant intensity were connected for 30 min, once a day for 14 days. The main index was video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) to detect passing time at oral stage, pharynx delay time at pharyngeal stage, passing time at pharynx stage. The second indexes were water swallow test rating and standardized swallowing assessment (SSA). The clinical effect was evaluated. After treatment, the passing time at oral stage, pharynx delay time at pharyngeal stage, passing time at pharynx stage were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all P <0.05), and the results in the low frequency group were better (all P <0.05). After treatment, the water swallow test rating improved in the two groups (both P<0.05), and that in the low frequency group was better (P<0.05). The SSA score decreased in the two groups (both P<0.05), and the improvement in the lower frequency group was superior to that in the high frequency group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the low frequency group was 93.3% (28/30), which was better than 66.7% (20/30) in the high frequency group (P<0.05). . The effect of EA with lower frequency is better than that of EA with higher frequency for stroke dysphagia.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Vascular Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of High-Quality Randomized Controlled Trials.

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second common form of dementia and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used for aging-related disorders for thousands of years. However, there is still a lack of scientific evidence using CHM for VaD. To conduct a systematic review to assess the current evidence available for the effectiveness and safety of CHM for VaD. Six databases were searched for high-quality randomized-controlled clinical trials that met the requirements of at least 4 of the 7 domains of the Cochrane risk of bias tool from their inception to February 2017. RevMan 5.3 was applied for data analysis. Forty studies with 42 comparisons and 3,572 individuals were included. The studies investigated the CHM versus placebo (n = 4), CHM versus western conventional treatment (WCT) (n = 36), and CHM plus WCT versus WCT (n = 2). Meta-analysis showed that CHM for VaD could improve Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Activities of Daily Living, Hasegawa's dementia scale, and clinical effective rate but had statistically similar effect based on Blessed Behavior Scale (BBS) outcome when compared with WCTs. When compared with placebo, CHMs were more beneficial in improving MMSE but showed no significant difference in BBS scores. CHM as adjuvant therapy exerted an additive anti-VaD benefit on MMSE scores. The participants of CHM group had fewer adverse events than that of the placebo group or WCT group. The findings of the present study support, at least to an extent, that CHM can be recommended for routine use for treatment of VaD.

Activating blood circulation to remove stasis treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: A multi-center prospective randomized open-label blinded-endpoint trial.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of the Chinese herbal therapeutic regimen of activating blood circulation (TRABC) in treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). This was a multi-center prospective randomized open-label blinded-endpoint (PROBE) trial with HICH admitted to 12 hospitals. Totally 240 participants were randomized to the treatment group treated with TRABC in addition to conventional Western treatment or the control group with conventional Western treatment equally for 3 months. Primary outcome was degree of disability as measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Secondary outcomes were the absorption of hematoma and edema, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and patient-reported outcome measures for stroke and Barthel activities of daily living index. Adverse events and mortality were also recorded. After 3 months of treatment, the rate of mRS 0-1 and mRS 0-2 in the treatment group was 72.5% and 80.4%, respectively, and in the control group 48.1% and 63.9%, respectively, with a significant difference between groups (P<0.01). Hematoma volume decreased significantly at day 7 of treatment in the treatment group than the control group (P=0.038). Average Barthel scores in the treatment group after treatment was 89.11±19.93, and in the control group 82.18±24.02 (P=0.003). NIHSS scores of the two groups after treatment decreased significantly compared with before treatment (P=0.001). Patient-reported outcomes in the treatment group were lower than the control group at day 21 and 3 months of treatment (P<0.05). There were 4 deaths, 2 in each group, and 11 adverse events, 6 in the treatment group and 5 in the control group. The integrative therapy combined TRABC with conventional Western treatment for HICH could promote hematoma absorption thus minimize neurologic impairment, without increasing intracerebral hematoma expansion and re-bleeding.

Protective effect with vascular endothelium of Danhong injection on unstable angina after coronary intervention in patients

Objective To observe the protective effects with vascular endothelium of Danhong injection for unstable angina (UA) after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients. Methods 180 patients with UA were randomly divided into two groups, and patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) therapy.In addition, 90 cases in the control group were treated with conventional western medicine treatment, 90 cases in the observation group were treated with conventional western medicine treatment and Danhong injection therapy.The serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and brachial artery flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation (FMD), von Willebrand factor (vWF), plasma nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels and other indicators before and after treatment were detected. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 96.67%, which was significantly higher than 75.56% of the control group (χ2=9.23, P<0.05). The endothelial function parameters NO(73.66±11.58)μmol/L, ET-1(64.75±6.83)ng/L, vWF(114.58±16.24)%, FMD (6.54±0.88)% of the observation group after treatment were significantly improved than before treatment (t=8.04, 7.90, 8.44, 7.67, all P<0.05), which of the control group were (62.78±10.42)μmol/L, (92.31±8.67)ng/L, (152.64±18.75)%, (4.18±0.72)%, there were significant differences(t=6.78, 7.34, 7.70, 6.56, all P<0.05). The serum SOD (154.62±21.37)U/mL and MDA (4.18±0.79)nmol/L levels of the observation group were significantly improved than before treatment(t=7.58, 8.67, all P<0.05), which of the control group were (132.45±26.89)U/mL, (5.27±1.16)nmol/L, there were significant differences (t=7.22, 7.81, all P<0.05). Conclusion Danhong injection for the treatment of UA stasis syndrome can be widely promoted by reducing oxidative stress on vascular endothelial damage, and improving endothelial function in patients after PCI, has great clinical value. Key words: Danhong injection; Unstable angina; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Vascular endothelial function

Effect of yangxinkang tablets on chronic heart failure: A multi-center randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

To investigate the safety and efficacy of yangxinkang tablets in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and syndrome of qi and yin deficiency, blood stasis, and water retention. In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trail, 228 patients with CHF New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III in stage C were assigned by randomized block method to two groups in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either conventional Western treatment or conventional treatment plus yangxinkang tablets for 4 weeks. The outcome measure were effect of cardiac function, Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes, scores of symptoms, signs, and quality of life measured by Minnesota Living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ) before and after the treatment. Totally 112 patients were analyzed in the treatment group and 109 in the control group. They were comparable in NYHA functional class, basic parameters and primary diseases before treatment. Cardiac function and CM syndromes were greatly ameliorated in both groups after treatment. Total effective rates of cardiac function and CM syndrome in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Total symptom score and sign score in the treatment group decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.01), which were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in post-treatment scores of gasp, cough with phlegm, pulmonary rales and jugular vein engorgement between the two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Three MLHFQ scores decreased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.01). Post-treatment total scale score and physical subscale score in the treatment group and the reduction of them showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) as compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in emotional subscale score and the reduction after treatment (P>0.05). There was no obvious adverse reaction in either group noted during the study. Yangxinkang tablets were safe and efficacious in improving cardiac function, CM syndromes, symptoms, signs, and quality of life in patients with CHF class II or III in stage C on the base of conventional treatment.

Clinical observation on rheumatoid arthritis treated with modified Duhuo-Jisheng decoction and Western conventional treatment

Objective To evaluate the effects of rheumatoid arthritis treated with modified Duhuo-Jisheng decoction and western conventional treatment. Methods 120 patients with heumatoid arthritis of our hospital from January 2010 to 2013 August were recruited and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 60 patients in each group. The control group was treated with oral intake of Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine and Meloxicam in acute stage and oral intake of diclofenc in stable stage, while the treatment group was further added modified Duhuo-Jisheng decoction on the basis of the control group. TCM symptom score, arthritis symptom score, symptomatic relief time, ESR, CRP, RF were observed after 3 months’ treatment. Results After 3 mouths’ treatment, the total effective rate was 90.0%（54/60） in the study group and 70.0%（42/64） in the control group. There was no significant difference（χ2=4.193,P〈0.05） between the two groups. CRP,ESR, RF[The treatment group respectively（22.06±10.31）mg/L, （25.18±17.80）mm/h, （28.19±4.17）IU/L,the control group respectively （14.11±7.32）mg/L, （24.16±22.09）mm/h, （36.08±5.24）IU/L]decreased after the treatment in both groups compared with the values before the treatment[The treatment group respectively （82.16± 21.37）mg/L, （68.84±9.71）mm/h, （84.92±15.31）IU/L,the control group respectively （52.46±22.26）mg/L,＆amp;nbsp;（62.72±33.31）mm/h, （85.17±14.23）IU/L, P〈0.01],while the decrease of CRP in the treatment group was much obvious than the control group（P〈0.05）,but the change of ESR had no statistical significance between the two group after the treatment（P>0.05）;Number of joint tenderness, The number of swollen joints, Time of morning stiffness, Dual hands grip strength , 20 m walking time decreased obviously in both groups after the treatment[After the treatment, the treatment group respectively （3.43 ± 1.46）, （2.95 ± 1.35）, （19.32 ± 16.54）min,（79.35±22.14）mmHg,（19.32±4.81）s,the control group respectively （4.63±4.21）, （3.55±2.47）, （21.23 ± 19.37）min,（77.81 ± 16.22）mmHg,（25.15 ± 5.81）s before the treatment, the treatment group respectively（10.71±5.12）, （7.95±3.97）, （109.32±68.52）min, （47.12±18.22）mmHg, （36.21±6.62）s, the control group respectively （11.54±5.32）, （7.64±4.01）, （96.02±58.39）min, （49.67±16.48）mmHg, （36.33± 7.23）s]（P〈0.05）. Conclusion Duhuo-Jisheng decoction could effectively improve the clinical symptoms of aged patients with osteoporosis and reduce the levels of their ESR, CRP, and RF. Key words: Rheumatoid arthritis; Duhuo-Jisheng decoction; Clinical study

Chinese herbal medicine paratherapy for Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that needs long-term levodopa administration and can result in progressive deterioration of body functions, daily activities and participation. The objective of this meta-analysis evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as an adjunct therapy for PD patients. Methodological issues include a systematic literature search between 1950 and April 2011 to identify randomized trials involving CHM adjuvant therapy versus western conventional treatment. The outcome measures assessed were the reduction in scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and adverse effects. 19 trials involving 1371 participants were included in the meta-analysis. As compared to western conventional treatment, CHM adjuvant therapy resulted in greater improvement in UPDRS I, II, III, IV scores, and UPDRS I–IV total scores (P < 0.001). Adverse effects were reported in 9 studies. The side effects in CHM adjuvant therapy group were generally less than or lighter than the conventional treatment group. In conclusion, CHM adjuvant therapy may potentially alleviate symptoms of PD and generally appeared to be safe and well tolerated by PD patients. However, well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are still needed due to the generally low methodological quality of the included studies.

Communication Disorders in Patients with Parkinson's disease: Perspectives of Traditional Healers

Two-thirds of the global population consult the services of traditional health care practitioners (THPs) with 80% of the African population using traditional medicine (WHO, 2001a). Western conventional treatment approaches to health and specifically communication disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have failed to recognize the significant role that THPs fulfil in the lives of a vast majority of African people and in comprehensive health care. This article contextualizes an exploratory and descriptive study on the perceptions of THPs regarding the treatment of patients with communication disorders resulting from PD. A purposive sample of 20 multilingual THPs was interviewed using a structured interview schedule. Results indicate that THPs and western practices view illness and healing from different frames of reference, yet complimentary, whilst striving for best treatment models of practice for the patient. The study contributed to the knowledge base of the significance of a multi-disciplinary approach when dealing with patients with PD and in health care in general. Limitations of the study include a small sample size and geographical location, impacting on generalisability.

The clinical observation of Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy combined with medicine treatment for 40 cases of acne

Objective To observe the clinical observation of drugs combined with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy in the treatment of acne.Methods 80 patients were randomly divided into two groups.40 cases of them were treated with conventional western medicine treatment as control group.Other 40 cases were treated with conventional western medicine treatment combined with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy as treatment gmup.Results The effective rate in the treatment group were significantly higher than that in control(P<0.05).Conclusions liquid nitrogen cryotherapy combined with conventional western medicine treatment has prominence effect.No adverse reaction were observed.It's available and low cost. Key words: Acne; Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy

Clinical Observation on the Treatment of Intractable Headaches with Acupuncture Combined with Xiongge Siwu Decoction

Objective To observe therapeutic effects of treating intractable headaches with acupuncture combined with Xiongge Siwu decoction. Methods 200 cases of patients with intractable headaches were recruited into a control group and a treatment group, with 100 patients in each group. The treatment group was treated with acupuncture combined with self-designed Xiongge Siwu decoction, while the control group was treated with conventional western medical treatment. Results The total effective rate was 95% and 55% in the treatment group and the control group respectively, showing significant difference (P<0.05) . Conclusion Treating intractable headaches with acupuncture combined with decoction of Xiongge Siwu decoction is effective. Key words: Xiongge Siwu decoction; Intractable headaches

Clinical Study on Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in an Acute Stage with Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Ambroxol Aerosol Inhalation

Objective To observe the effect of traditional Chinese medicine combined with ambroxol aerosol inhalation on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) in an acute stage. Methods 70 patients with COPD in an acute stage were randomly recruited into a control group and a treament group. The control group was treated with conventional western medical treatment and the treatment group was treated with traditional Chinese medicine combined with ambroxol aerosol inhalation based on the conventional western medical treatment Lung function (FEV1 and FVC) and clinical symptoms were observed after treatment. Results Compared with the control group, lung function (FEV1 FVC) and clinical symptoms in the treatment group were apparently improved after the treatment (P<0.05) .Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine combined with ambroxol aerosol inhalation may improve clinical symptoms and lung function of COPD patients in an acute stage. Key words: COPD; Traditional Chinese medicine. Ambroxol