Korean Medicine Hospital Research Articles

Korean Traditional Medicine in Treating Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Case Series.

In Korea, patients with mild cognitive impairment can choose to receive treatment of Korean medicine, and Korean medicine hospitals provide specialized medical care for the prevention and management of cognitive disorders. The aim of the study is to explore the role of Korean medicine therapy for patients with mild cognitive impairment in a real clinical setting. Fifteen patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment were enrolled in this prospective observational study in three Korean medicine hospitals. Korean medicine treatments were delivered by experienced professionals and not restricted to standardized treatment. Outcome measures were prospectively planned to examine the Korean-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Korean-Mini Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), and other detailed neuropsychological assessment at the baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Korean medicine treatment for MCI treatment in the real-world clinical setting included herbal medicine and acupuncture. The most frequently used herbs in herbal decoctions were Acori Graminei Rhizoma, Polygalae Radix, and Poria Sclerotium Cum Pini Radix. The herbal medicine formulae used in this study were classified into three categories: tonifying Qi (33.3%), tonifying kidney (46.7%), and calming liver (20%) formulae. In the cognitive ability assessment, the K-MoCA score significantly improved after treatment (mean difference 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.9, p=0.001). The K-MMSE score slightly increased after treatment; however, the improvement was not statistically significant (mean difference 0.8; 95% CI: −0.5 to 2.0, p=0.195). In detailed neuropsychological assessment, the cognitive domains of executive functions and memory after the treatment were distinctively improved. In this prospective observational case series, we could see the real clinical environments of treating patients with mild cognitive impairment in Korean medicine hospitals. Patients treated with Korean medicine showed improved results in the neuropsychological assessment after 12 and 24 weeks.

Gyejigachulbutang (Gui-Zhi-Jia-Shu-Fu-Tang, Keishikajutsubuto, TJ-18) in Degenerative Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: Lessons and Responders from a Multicenter Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background Gyejigachulbutang (GUI-ZHI-JIA-SHU-FU-TANG, GCB) is an herbal formula widely prescribed in traditional East Asian medicine practice for arthritis and muscle pain. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of GCB for degenerative knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods Eighty patients with KOA were randomly assigned to the GCB group or the placebo group in a 1 : 1 ratio in two Korean medicine hospitals. Patients took GCB or placebo three times a day for 4 weeks. Primary outcome was the change in the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for knee pain from baseline to 4th week. Secondary outcomes were the change in the VAS score from baseline to 2nd week and 8th week, Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC), European Quality of Life Five Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D), and safety. Results There was no significant difference between the compared indicators of the GCB and placebo groups. However, in subgroup analysis, GCB was effective for subjects with a BMI lower than 25 kg/m2. The dose of pain medication was significantly lower in the GCB group than in the placebo group after four weeks (p=0.016). There were no serious adverse events in the GCB group. Conclusions GCB was not effective in primary outcome analysis. In exploratory subgroup analysis, GCB might be effective for individuals with BMI lower than 25 kg/m2 for the treatment of degenerative KOA. GCB may also help reduce the consumption of pain medication. Furthermore, research is required for our hypothesis. This trial is registered with KCT0003024.

Efficacy and Safety of Sipjeondaebo‐Tang (Shi‐Quan‐Da‐Bu‐Tang) for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Background. Sipjeondaebo‐tang (SDT), also known as Shi‐Quan‐Da‐Bu‐Tang, is a treatment for both qi and blood deficiency syndromes in traditional Korean medicine. It is also used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in Korea. Herein, we present the protocol for a study to assess the efficacy and safety of SDT for treating CFS. Methods. This will be a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial with two parallel‐treatment arms: an SDT group and a placebo group. Ninety‐six patients with CFS aged between 19 and 65 years will be recruited from two hospitals in Korea. Participants will be randomly allocated at a ratio of 1 : 1 between the two groups. Participants will receive 3 g doses of SDT or placebo thrice daily for 8 weeks. Follow‐up evaluations will be performed for 4–6 weeks after the drug administration period. The primary outcome will be the rating of participants’ fatigue symptoms using the Checklist Individual Strength questionnaire. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8, as well as during follow‐up. An efficacy evaluation and safety assessment will be performed. This study will be based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines and the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) 2013 statement. This protocol and informed consent guidelines were reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital at Gangdong in the Republic of Korea (KHNMCOH 2017‐06‐004‐001). The protocol was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service. Written informed consent will be obtained from all study participants prior to enrollment in the study. Results will be published in a peer‐reviewed journal and presented at a scientific conference. Discussion. This study is expected to provide novel, accurate information regarding the 38 efficacy and safety of SDT for CFS in adults. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with https://cris.nih.go.kr; CRIS identifier (KCT0002684) registered on February 9, 2018.

Association of Cost and Medical Service Satisfaction with Korean and Conventional Medicine Use before and after Surgery in Postsurgical Patients: A Questionnaire Survey of Korean Patients with Postsurgical Pain Visiting Korean Medicine Hospitals.

This study aimed to assess the costs, health status, and medical service satisfaction with Korean and conventional medicine use before and after surgery of patients visiting Korean medicine hospitals for postsurgical musculoskeletal pain. The study population comprised patients who visited KM hospitals for the first time between June and November 2017 for persistent or recurrent pain and discomfort after low back, neck, shoulder, or knee surgery. Various validated questionnaires were used to collect data. A total of 100 participants were enrolled, and the majority had undergone low back surgery (n = 82). The participants had received 1.3 ± 0.7 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and 2.4 ± 2.8 X-rays before surgery. Conventional interventions used before surgery were physical therapy (43%), medications (34%), and injections (28%), in descending order, while 48% of patients reported having received acupuncture 51.3 ± 81.1 times. The mean satisfaction score for surgery was 5.5 ± 2.8 points based on a 9-point Likert scale, while that for KM-based interventions was 6.3 ± 1.7 points. With respect to health-related information, the mean scores were 6.0 ± 2.2 points on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), 0.6 ± 0.2 points on the 5-Level EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L), and 15.3 ± 10.2 on Beck's Depression Index II (BDI-II). The mean score on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in patients with low back pain was 40.1 ± 19.2 points. Work impairment, as measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health (WPAI-GH), was 62.5 ± 47.8%, while activity impairment was 5.9 ± 2.6%. Participants tended to show low satisfaction regarding surgery and high preference for KM-based interventions. In particular, low back surgery patients reported high ODI scores, indicating high dysfunctional levels and poor prognosis after surgery. It can be inferred that it is therefore important to provide appropriate presurgical and postsurgical care for patients with musculoskeletal pain to improve pain, function, and quality of life.

Influence of Cheongsimyeonja-tang on the Liver Function of Inpatients at the Korean Medicine Hospital

Influence of Cheongsimyeonja-tang on the Liver Function of Inpatients at the Korean Medicine Hospital

Trends and Future Direction of the Clinical Decision Support System in Traditional Korean Medicine.

ObjectivesThe Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS), which analyzes and uses electronic health records (EHR) for medical care, pursues patient-centered medical care. It is necessary to establish the CDSS in Korean medical services for objectification and standardization. For this purpose, analyses were performed on the points to be followed for CDSS implementation with a focus on herbal medicine prescription.MethodsTo establish the CDSS in the prescription of Traditional Korean Medicine, the current prescription practices of Traditional Korean Medicine doctors were analyzed. We also analyzed whether the prescription support function of the electronic chart was implemented. A questionnaire survey was conducted querying Traditional Korean Medicine doctors working at Traditional Korean Medicine clinics and hospitals, to investigate their desired CDSS functions, and their perceived effects on herbal medicine prescription. The implementation of the CDSS among the audit software developers used by the Korean medical doctors was examined.ResultsOn average, 41.2% of Traditional Korean Medicine doctors working in Traditional Korean Medicine clinics manipulated 1 to 4 herbs, and 31.2% adjusted 4 to 7 herbs. On average, 52.5% of Traditional Korean Medicine doctors working in Traditional Korean Medicine hospitals adjusted 1 to 4 herbs, and 35.5% adjusted 4 to 7 herbs. Questioning the desired prescription support function in the electronic medical record system, the Traditional Korean Medicine doctors working at Korean medicine clinics desired information on ‘medicine name, meridian entry, flavor of medicinals, nature of medicinals, efficacy,’ ‘herb combination information’ and ‘search engine by efficacy of prescription.’ The doctors also desired compounding contraindications (eighteen antagonisms, nineteen incompatibilities) and other contraindicatory prescriptions, ‘medicine information’ and ‘prescription analysis information through basic constitution analyses.’ The implementation of prescription support function varied by clinics and hospitals.ConclusionIn order to implement and utilize the CDSS in a medical service, clinical information must be generated and managed in a standardized form. For this purpose, standardization of terminology, coding of prescriptions using a combination of herbal medicines, and unification such as the preparation method and the weights and measures should be integrated.

A Retrospective Chart Review of the Clinical Use of Euphorbia kansui Radix, Melonis Calyx

Objectives There have been many studies reporting the clinical value of Euphorbia kansui Radix or Melonis Calyx, but few systematic studies of the changes that may occur after taking such herbal medication. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the patient group, possible changes in blood test and InBody test results, and to discover the current state and future direction of clinical use of Euphorbia kansui Radix or Melonis Calyx. Methods This study investigated patients who were hospitalized at Kyung-Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital for at least two days from 1 March 2016 to 1 March 2019, specifically evaluating patients aged 19 and over who underwent blood tests, including an electrolyte test and an InBody test before and after taking Euphorbia kansui Radix or Melonis Calyx. Results Among a total of 134 patients, 72 patients (53.7%) were treated with Euphorbia kansui Radix and 62 patients (46.3%) were treated with Melonis Calyx, in the context of previously diagnosed abnormal weight gain. Laboratory findings were that Na and K levels were significantly reduced in both groups. In an InBody test, body mass index (BMI), intracellular water, extracellular water, protein, mineral, and skeletal muscle were significantly reduced in both groups. Conclusions From these results, we suggest that, although Euphorbia kansui Radix and Melonis Calyx may not induce serious adverse effects, attention should be paid to the electrolyte level with the use of these treatments. In terms of syndrome differentiation, more clinical uses will be available in the future. Keywords: Euphorbia kansui radix, Melonis Calyx, syndrome differentiation, traditional chinese medicine, inbody test

Analysis of prescription frequency of herbs in traditional Korean medicine hospital using electronic medical records

Analysis of prescription frequency of herbs in traditional Korean medicine hospital using electronic medical records

Efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness analysis of adjuvant herbal medicine treatment, Palmijihwang-hwan, for chronic low back pain: a study protocol for randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, multicenter clinical trial

BackgroundLow back pain is a common symptom and continuous or recurrent pain results in chronic low back pain (CLBP). While many patients with CLBP have tried various treatments, complementary and alternative medicine including acupuncture and herbal medicine is one of the commonly used treatments. Palmijihwang-hwan is a herbal medicine used frequently in clinical practice but there has been no report of the efficacy, safety, or cost-effectiveness analysis of Palmijihwang-hwan for CLBP.MethodsThis study is a randomized, assessor-blinded, multicenter, clinical trial with two parallel groups. Four Korean medicine hospitals will recruit 84 participants and randomly allocate them into the control or treatment group in a 1:1 ratio. The control group will receive acupuncture treatment at 11 local and 4 distal acupuncture points for 20 min twice a week for 6 weeks. The treatment group will receive the same acupuncture treatment as the control group and also take Palmijihwang-hwan for 6 weeks. The primary outcome will be the change in visual analog scale (VAS) score between baseline (visit 1) and completion of the intervention (visit 12), and secondary outcomes will be pain-related clinical relevance (minimal clinical important difference or the proportion of the participants who decrease more than 30, or 50% on VAS), disability (Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire), quality of life (EuroQol-5D), global assessment (Patient Global Impression of Change), and economic analysis (cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis). Additionally, safety will be assessed.DiscussionThe results of our study will provide the clinical evidence about the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness analysis of Palmijihwang-hwan for CLBP. There will be a chance to provide multiple subdivided influence of this treatment with various outcome measures, but lack of placebo is our limitation.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service, KCT0002998. Registered on 12 July 2018.

A Retrospective Study on the Clinical Safety of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture at Craniofacial Acupuncture Points for the Treatment of Facial Disorders

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical safety of Bee Venom (BV) pharmacopuncture at craniofacial acupuncture points. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 108 patients diagnosed with peripheral facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, or facial spasm who were admitted to Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital at Gangdong, from April 1st, 2017 to August 30th, 2017. Patients were allocated into either, Group 1 (the non-allergy group of patients who did not have an allergic reaction to BV) or Group 2, the group who had allergic reactions to BV. To evaluate the clinical safety of BV pharmacopuncture after each treatment, several criteria were used to measure any side effects: outcome, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scale, Mueller HL scale, treatment decision after adverse reaction, causality, measures performed for patients with adverse reactions, and efficacy assessment. Results: BV pharmacopuncture delivered in 0.1-0.2 mL at a concentration of 1:30,000 at the craniofacial acupuncture points, showed no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between non-allergy Group 1 and allergy Group 2. Amongst the 108 patients, 11 reported side effects after BV pharmacopuncture treatment. These adverse events included rash (n = 7), pruritus (n = 5), swelling (n = 1), vesicles (n = 1), erythema (n = 1), and hives (n = 1). All side effects resolved without sequelae. Conclusion: In this study, BV pharmacopuncture delivered at low doses at the craniofacial acupuncture points, resulted in 10% of patients experiencing non serious side effects suggesting that BV pharmacopuncture was clinically well tolerated.

Effects of Gambisan in overweight adults and adults with obesity: A retrospective chart review.

Objective:A retrospective chart review was conducted to explore the effect of Gambisan, a granular extract of novel herbal medicine, for short-term (≤16 weeks) weight loss in adults who are overweight and those with obesity.Methods:Outpatients of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital (Seoul, Korea) who took Gambisan and underwent bioelectric impedance analysis were selected (Jan 2011 to Dec 2015); their electronic medical records and clinical charts were retrospectively reviewed. The effectiveness of Gambisan was primarily evaluated by comparing body weight (BW) at baseline and endpoint, using paired t tests; the safety of Gambisan was evaluated on the basis of adverse events (AEs) experienced by patients.Results:Two hundred five patients were included in this study. The study population exhibited a significant reduction in BW (73.69 ± 14.49 kg to 69.01 ± 13.20 kg, P < .001) as well as percentage body fat (37.38 ± 5.38% to 34.50 ± 5.83%, P < .001). Moreover, 111 (54.1%) patients achieved modest weight loss (≥5%), while 35 (17.1%) achieved ≥10% weight loss. Furthermore, Gambisan induced significant reduction of BW in all subgroups (body mass index, sex, prescribed duration, and dosage). Among 139 patients with available data, 79 (56.8%) reported loss-of-appetite. In addition, 120 (mostly mild) AEs were reported in 69 (49.6%) patients, and the most frequent AEs were nausea, palpitation, and insomnia.Discussion:Despite limitations in interpreting the results of this retrospective medical record review, Gambisan induced statistically and clinically meaningful weight loss with a tolerable level of AEs. Based on the findings of this review, further well-designed clinical trials are warranted.

Thread-embedding acupuncture for lumbar herniated intervertebral disc: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (LHIVD) is a frequent disease among patients attending Korean medicine hospitals, and it is associated with considerable medical expenses for the patients. Although several recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have reported that thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA) has a more favorable therapeutic effect on LHIVD than other types of acupuncture or other treatments, the evidence remains limited because these trials used poor assessment methods and had a high risk of bias. This study aims to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of TEA for LHIVD. In this article, we describe our methods and plan for a systematic review. We will conduct an electronic search of the following databases from their inception to May 2018: MEDLINE; EMBASE; COCHRANE; China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (a Chinese database); CiNii and J-STAGE (Japanese databases); and KoreaMed, Korean Medical Database (KMbase), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), National Digital Science Library (NDSL), Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS). RCTs investigating any type of TEA will be included. The risk of bias in each study will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Risk ratios or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals will be used to show the effects of TEA if it will be possible to conduct a meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses will also be conducted in this study. Ethical approval is not necessary as this paper does not involve patient data. The review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or presented in a conference. PROSPERO CRD42019133060.

Difference in gait recovery rate of hemiparetic stroke patients according to paralyzed side: A cross-sectional study based on a retrospective chart review.

In Donguibogam, a representative encyclopedic source of knowledge on traditional Korean medicine, left-sided hemiparesis due to stroke is called “Tan” as a sort of “Heyol-Byeong,” while right-sided hemiparesis due to stroke is called “Tan” as a sort of “Gi-Byeong.” According to the theory of Donguibogam, diseases on the left or right side of the human body must be treated differently. Clinically, the symptoms caused by left and right hemisphere lesions in stroke patients differ, as the functions of the left and right hemispheres differ. Considering these facts, when treating patients in clinical practice, it may be useful to distinguish between diseases on the left or right side according to Donguibogam. This study set out to confirm whether side-dependent gait rehabilitation could be used to treat hemiparetic stroke patients. Gait was selected for analysis, as it is the most important factor in returning stroke patients to daily life.This study conducted a retrospective chart review of stroke patients who satisfied the following criteria: outpatient or inpatient at the Wonkwang University Korean Medicine Hospital in Gwangju (WKUGH) with hemiparesis due to stroke; aged between 19 and 85 years old; with a stroke onset within the past 6 months; having undergone gait analysis (GAITRite) more than twice between September 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018 at the WKUGH, with a minimum 2-week interval between the first and next gait analysis; right-handed stroke patient; able to walk unaided. The spatio-temporal parameters for analysis included the FAP, walking velocity, step length, stance time, and swing time as obtained with GAITRite.In the initial gait analysis, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in all spatio-temporal parameters. However, in the follow-up gait analysis, the left hemiparesis group showed a significantly higher FAP and faster walking velocity than the right hemiparesis group.This study found a difference in the recovery rate between the left and right hemiparesis groups. Based on this, we suggest that a different treatment strategy for gait rehabilitation can be used according to the paralyzed side.This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Wonkwang University Korean Medicine Hospital in Gwangju (WKUGH), Republic of Korea (WKIRB 2018 – 25, November 28, 2018). This trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of the Korea National Institute of Health (NIH), Republic of Korea (KCT0002984).

A Case Report of Traditional Korean Medical Treatment of a Patient with Facial Nerve Palsy and Sleep Disorder Hospitalized at a Korean Medicine Hospital

A Case Report of Traditional Korean Medical Treatment of a Patient with Facial Nerve Palsy and Sleep Disorder Hospitalized at a Korean Medicine Hospital

Reliability and validity of a pattern identification diagnostic tool for climacteric and postmenopausal syndrome pattern identification: A clinical study of a newly developed questionnaire

IntroductionTraditional Korean Medicine (TKM) can be used to manage symptoms associated with the menopause, but effective treatment depends on diagnosis, which could be facilitated with an appropriate diagnostic tool. This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of a diagnostic tool for climacteric and postmenopausal syndrome pattern identification (CaPSPI) by identifying seven major patterns and 10 syndrome elements. MethodsThis study was conducted between June and October 2018, in two University Korean Medicine Hospitals. To investigate the construct validity, 275 women aged 45–60 years experiencing menopausal symptoms (Kupperman index ≥20) answered a 75-item questionnaire regarding menopausal symptoms. To investigate the tool’s criterion validity, a previously developed pattern identification questionnaire (DSOM) was administered to 107 participants. Subsequent analysis examined construct validity using factor analysis, reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, and criterion validity using Pearson’s correlation. ResultsFor construct validity, the factor loading of the seven patterns was ≥0.452, and Cronbach's coefficient was ≥0.759. For the 10 syndrome elements (證素), the factor loading of the four disease locations (病位) was ≥0.519, and the associated Cronbach's coefficient was ≥0.790, while the factor loading of the six disease natures (病性) was ≥0.468, and the associated Cronbach's coefficient was ≥0.700. The criterion validity of the DSOM was also verified (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe results confirmed the construct validity and reliability of the seven patterns and 10 syndrome elements proposed by the CaPSPI. The criterion validity of the DSOM was also verified. These results suggest that this may be an effective tool for diagnosing menopausal symptoms.

Association between Korean Medicine Hospital Utilization and Cardiovascular Risks in Patients with Hypertension: a National Korean Cohort Study

Association between Korean Medicine Hospital Utilization and Cardiovascular Risks in Patients with Hypertension: a National Korean Cohort Study

The Statistics Study on Patients visiting a Korean Medicine Hospital according to the Application of Chuna Therapy Health Insurance and Medical benefits

The Statistics Study on Patients visiting a Korean Medicine Hospital according to the Application of Chuna Therapy Health Insurance and Medical benefits

Effects of different acupuncture treatment methods on mild cognitive impairment: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate state between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease, which is the world’s most common form of dementia. It is important to identify early and easily available interventions to delay the progression of MCI to Alzheimer’s disease. Acupuncture has been reported to improve the clinical outcomes of MCI treatment. Acupuncture is a complex intervention, involving both specific and non-specific factors associated with therapeutic benefits. Therefore, we intend to obtain basic data for developing an optimal acupuncture treatment for MCI by comparing the effects of different acupuncture treatment methods on cognitive function in MCI patients.MethodsThis study will be a prospective, outcome-assessor-blinded, parallel-arm, single-center (DongShin University Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital, Republic of Korea), randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty-two participants with MCI will be randomized in equal numbers to four groups (basic acupuncture (BA), acupoint specificity (AS), needle duration (ND), or electroacupuncture (EA)) and receive acupuncture treatment once per day, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. The BA and ND groups will receive acupuncture treatment for 30 and 20 min, respectively, at Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Fengchi (GB20), and Shenting (GV24). The EA group will receive electroacupuncture treatment at the same acupoints for 30 min. The AS group will receive acupuncture treatment at GV20, EX-HN1, GB20, GV24, and Taixi (KI3) for 30 min. The outcome measured will be scores on the Korean version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale—cognitive subscale, the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, the Korean Activities of Daily Living scale, the Korean Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, and the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level scale. All scores will be recorded before intervention, 8 weeks after the first intervention, and 12 weeks after completing the intervention.DiscussionFour acupuncture protocols will be assessed and compared as potential MCI treatments. This study is expected to provide data to be used in developing an optimal acupuncture method for MCI treatment.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service, KCT0003430. Registered on 16 January 2019.http://cris.nih.go.kr).

Korean Medical Treatment Including Miniscalpel Acupuncture for Patients After Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery: A Report of Two Cases

This study aimed to report the effect of Korean medical treatment including miniscalpel acupuncture on 2 patients who underwen tsurgery for rotator cuff tear. They were treated for almost 4 weeks at the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dong-Eui University Korean Medicine Hospital. Visual analog scale (VAS), and range of movement (ROM) were used to evaluate treatment effects. In both patients, shoulder pain and restriction of shoulder joint movement improved after miniscalpel acupuncture treatment. In Case 1, shoulder pain decreased from a VAS score 8 to a VAS score 3, and ROM of the shoulder improved from flexion 100° to 160°, extension 10° to 30°, abduction 90° to 130°, adduction 10° to 40°, internal rotation 10° to 50°, and external rotation 10° to 50°. In Case 2, shoulder pain, which was rated a VAS score 8 at first-visit, disappeared, and ROM of the shoulder recovered to normal range. These results suggest miniscalpel acupuncture may contribute to the recovery process after rotator cuff tear surgery. ©2019 Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Herbal medicine treatments for essential tremor: A retrospective chart review study

AimsThe purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Korean herbal medicine treatment for patients with essential tremor (ET). MethodsThis study was a retrospective chart review of patients who visited the Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital and received herbal medicine treatment for ET between January 2010 and August 2015. Treatment outcomes were evaluated based on the change in Numerical Rating Scores documented from pre-treatment to those recorded at follow up. Outcomes were categorized as ‘extremely effective’ (over 70% reduction of symptoms), ‘very effective’ (30%–70% reduction of symptoms), ‘effective’ (a reduction of symptoms of less than 30%), ‘non-effective’ (no reduction in symptoms) and ‘harmful’ (symptoms increased). ResultsThe clinical data of sixty-nine essential tremor patients that fulfilled the studies inclusion criteria was extracted. The mean age of patients was 57.8 years and 75.4% of patients were female. The mean duration from onset of ET was 90.5 months. Among the sixty-nine patients who were treated with herbal medicines, forty-eight patients (69.6%) reported an improvement (extremely effective, very effective or effective) in their ET symptoms. Thirty-seven of these patients (53.6%) showed an improvement of 30% or more. Frequently used herbal medicine formulas were modified Uk-Gan-san, modified Cheon-Geum-Jo-Wi-tang, Boshim-Geon-Bi-tang and Chung-Hyul-Gang-Ki-tang. Among these, the most effective Korean herbal medicine formula was shown to be modified Uk-Gan-san. ConclusionThis study suggests that treatment with Korean herbal medicine has the potential to reduce essential tremor symptoms. Further clinical investigations that prospectively evaluate the efficacy of the key Korean herbal formulas highlighted in this study are very much warranted.