Korean Medicine Treatment Research Articles

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for a Wrist Drop Patient with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Admitted to Korean Medicine Hospital

Taewoon Min, K.M.D., Dohyeon Kang, K.M.D., Jaeseo Ahn, K.M.D., Hyunjun Lee, K.M.D., Hansol Lee, K.M.D., Hankyul Kim, K.M.D., Seongmin Lee, K.M.D., Sohyun Cho, K.M.D., Hyungwook Ji, K.M.D., Ilhwan Ko, K.M.D., Jiwon Kim, K.M.D., Jungmin Yun, K.M.D., Hyukjin Jeong, K.M.D.. J Korean Med Rehabi 2022;32:89-96. https://doi.org/10.18325/jkmr.2022.32.4.89

A Narrative Review of the Korean Medicine Treatments for Achilles Tendinopathy

Kyung-Young Yoon, K.M.D., Dong-Wook Hwang, K.M.D., In-Su Bae, K.M.D., Jun-Heum Youn, K.M.D., Yu-Ji n Lee, K.M.D., Won-Suk Jang, K.M.D., Sang-Joon Yoo, K.M.D., Do-Hoon Lee, K.M.D., Dong-Hyeob Kang, K.M.D., Ja-Yean Son, K.M.D., Seok-Gyu Yang, K.M.D., Hyun-Woo Cho, K.M.D.. J Korean Med Rehabi 2022;32:33-45. https://doi.org/10.18325/jkmr.2022.32.4.33

A Case Report of Korean Medical Treatment on a Left Pontine Hemorrhage with a Cavernous Malformation

This case report determines the effects of Korean medicine treatment on a pontine hemorrhage with a cavernous malformation. In this study, Korean medicine treatments, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and moxibustion, were administered for 30 days. During the hospitalization period, evaluations were performed using the Scott and Kraft Scale, eye movement, 9-gaze photography, the House-Brackmann grading system, and Yanagihara’s unweighted grading system on days 1, 12, and 30. The Scott and Kraft Scale increased from -4 to -2, while eye movement increased from 43.1% to 72.3%. The House-Brackmann grading system improved from 4 to 2, and Yanagihara’s unweighted grading system increased from 13 to 31. We also discovered that the movement of the left eye was improved by 9-gaze photography. Our findings suggest that Korean medicine treatment has potential effects on esotropia and facial palsy caused by a pontine hemorrhage with a cavernous malformation.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for A Patient with Variant Angina and Asthma Symptoms

Objective: The purpose of this case study was to report the symptom improvement effect of integrative Korean medicine treatment based on Pyongsim Solution: <i>Cheonwangbosim-dan</i> in a patient with variant angina and asthma symptoms.Methods: This 68-year-old male patient was treated with Pyongsim Solution, <i>Gamihyangsayukgunja-tang</i>, <i>Gwakhyangjunggi-san</i>, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and cupping therapy for 24 days. The European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-5 Levels profile, Numerical Rating Scale score, and pulse rate per minute were measured on admission, at two weeks of hospitalization, and upon discharge to assess the clinical outcomes.Results: After treatment, the “mobility" dimension profile of the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-5 Levels changed from 1 to 1, “self-care" changed from 1 to 1, “usual activity" changed from 3 to 2, “pain/discomfort" changed from 4 to 3, and “anxiety/depression" changed from 3 to 2. The Numerical Rating Scale score for chest pain decreased from 7 to 5, chest tightness decreased from 6 to 4, sleep disturbance decreased from 6 to 3, polydipsia decreased from 5 to 3, and stomach discomfort decreased from 5 to 3. All the profiles of these five dimensions were unchanged for 11 days in the period between the two weeks of hospitalization and discharge. There were also no changes in the profiles of either “mobility” or “self-care” throughout the entire 24-day hospitalization period.Conclusion: This case report shows that integrative Korean medicine treatment based on Pyongsim Solution can improve the symptoms of patients with variant angina and mild intermittent asthma, suggesting that Pyongsim Solution could be an important herbal medication for treatment.

A Case Report of Korean Medical Treatment of a Dyspepsia Patient with Lethargy and Dizziness

Objectives: The aim of this case report was to present the effects of Korean medicine treatment on a patient with dyspepsia symptoms like those of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Methods: A 64-year-old male patient with dyspepsia was treated with <i>Sosiho-tang</i> decoction, <i>Banhasasim-tang</i> soft extract, <i>Gamihyangsayukgunja-tang</i> decoction, and Kracie <i>Sihogayonggolmoryu-tang</i> extract, along with acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and deep tissue meridian hot pack therapy for five days of hospitalization. Pain from the dyspepsia was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale and the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Scale.Results: Within five days of treatment, dyspepsia was relieved from a Numerical Rating Scale score of 7 to a score of 3. The European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Scale score increased from 0.455 to 0.816.Conclusion: These results show that dyspepsia can be relieved with Korean medicine treatment. However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm these findings.

Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment for Sequelae After Surgery in Prostate Cancer Patients: Two Case Report

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report two cases of prostate cancer patients whose side effects after surgery were treated with traditional Korean medicine.Methods: Two prostate cancer patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, and both patients were treated with traditional Korean medicine. Subjective discomfort symptoms were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale. Adverse events were evaluated using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Daily life vitality was evaluated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group.Results: After treatment with traditional Korean medicine, discomfort symptoms that occurred after surgery, such as frequent urination, nocturia, insomnia, and depression, all gradually improved, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores also improved from two points to one point. Additionally, there were no hematologic side effects from the traditional Korean medicine treatment.Conclusions: This case study suggests that traditional Korean medicine may contribute to the improvement of side effects caused by robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, quality of life, and immunity.

A Case Report of Postherpetic Neuralgia Treated with Kyung Hee <italic>Gongjin-dan</italic> and <italic>Hyangbujapalmul-tang-gagam</italic>

The most common definition of postherpetic neuralgia is the presence of pain more than a month after the onset of the eruption of zoster. This case report suggests the effect of Korean medicine on postherpetic neuralgia. An 85-year-old male patient with postherpetic neuralgia was treated with a combination of Korean medical remedies. Kyung Hee <i>Gongjin-dan</i> and <i>Hyangbujapalmul-tang-gagam</i> were applied for 23 days. The Numerical Rating Scale was used to measure pain intensity. The Barthel Index and Beck Depression Inventory were used for the functional assessment and depression evaluation, respectively. After treatment, the patient’s pain intensity decreased. Additionally, the patient’s independence increased during activity, and the severity of their depression decreased. Thus, this case suggests that a combination of Korean medicine treatments might be effective for postherpetic neuralgia. In particular, it shows that Kyung Hee <i>Gongjin-dan</i> and <i>Hyangbujapalmul-tang-gagam</i> can be therapeutic options in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.

A Case Report of a Patient with Facial Nerve Palsy that Occurred Consecutively on Both Sides After Gastroscopy

The purpose of this study is to report a rare case of bilateral facial palsy after endoscopy and the effects of a series of traditional Korean medicine treatments applied to the patient. The patient was treated with Western oral medications for seven days and then with traditional Korean medicine consisting of acupuncture, moxa, and herbal medicine (<i>Dodamgeopung-san-gami</i> and <i>Yukgungeopung-san-gami</i>) for two months. Treatment progress was measured using the House-Brackmann grading system and Yanagihara’s unweighted grading scale. We were able to notice some improvements in the patient’s symptoms: the House-Brackmann scale went from 5/4 to 2/1, and the Yanagihara scale from 13/16 to 38/40. This study thus reports that traditional Korean medicine treatments can be applied to bilateral facial palsy found in rare cases and still be effective.

A Case Report of Complex Korean Medicine Treatments of Decreased Mental Status in a Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Patient with a Cerebrovascular Accident

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of complex Korean medicine treatment on decreased mental status in a progressive supranuclear palsy patient with a cerebrovascular accident.Case presentation: The patient was treated with Korean medicine composed of herbal medicine (<i>modified Guibi-tang</i>), acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping combined with Western medicine (a dopamine precursor and an anticholinergic) and physical therapy. The Glasgow Coma Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Hoehn and Yahr Scale were used to evaluate the effects of the treatments. After treatment, Glasgow Coma Scores increased from 9-10 to 12-13, and Mini-Mental State Examination for dementia screen scores increased from 1 to 2. The Hoehn and Yahr score remained at 5. There were no side effects of the treatment.Conclusion: This study suggests that complex Korean medicine treatments may be effective for the decreased mental status of a progressive supranuclear palsy patient with a cerebrovascular accident, but further studies are needed.

A Case Report on a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treated with Korean Medicine

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report the improvement of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis after long-term combined Korean medical treatment.Methods: A patient diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, and rehabilitation for four separate hospital stays. To evaluate their respiratory discomfort and limb weakness, we used Manual Muscle Testing, the Pulmonary Function Test, and the Korean Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised.Results: The weakness of the muscles of the lower extremities and respiratory function was improved.Conclusion: We consider that combined Korean medicine treatments might be an effective treatment for muscle weakness and respiratory discomfort of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To verify the effectiveness of these treatments, further research is required.

A Clinical Case of a Recurrent Polyarticular Gout Patient Treated with <italic>Gyeji-tang-gami</italic> and <italic>Soshiho-tang-gami</italic>

Objectives: This study examined a clinical case of a recurrent polyarticular gout patient treated with Korean medicine.Methods: The patient was treated with Korean medicine (<i>Gyejigagye-tang</i>, <i>Soshiho-tang-gami</i>, <i>Gyejigajakyak-tang</i>, acupuncture, and moxibustion), Western medicine, and rehabilitative therapy. Their effects were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale.Results: After receiving Korean medical treatment for two admission periods, the Visual Analog Scale score for joint pain improved or disappeared. Moreover, Korean medicine was able to manage the symptoms of the gout patient.Conclusions: Proper Korean medicine treatment could be effective in improving the symptoms of recurrent polyarticular gout pain.

A Case Report of Hemiparesis After Head Injury Treated with Traditional Korean Medicine

Objectives: The aim of this study is to report a case in which a patient showed recovery from hemiparesis after a head injury.Methods: A 60-year-old woman who suffered a head injury received Korean medicine treatment, including herbal decoctions, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and physical treatment for 32 days. The response before and after treatment was evaluated using the Manual Muscle Test, the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index, and walking status.Results: After treatment, the range of the Manual Muscle Test grades of her left lower extremity increased from 1-3 to 2-4. Her score on the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index improved from 60 to 90. The patient, who was in a wheelchair at the time of admission, walked with a cane upon discharge.Conclusion: This study suggests that intervention with Korean medicine could be one of the therapeutic options for improving hemiparesis after head injury.

Weight Control Registry Using Korean Medicine: A Protocol for a Prospective Registry Study.

Lifestyle and physical characteristics affect body weight, and understanding these factors improves the precision of weight loss treatment. Many obese patients in Korea are receiving Korean medicine (KM) treatment, including herbal medicine and acupuncture, for weight loss. However, the real-world data (RWD) are insufficient in terms of being longitudinal and diverse. Weight Control Registry using KM is a prospective registry study that enrolls patients receiving KM treatment for weight loss and collects RWD from multiple clinics. The patients who are eligible for this study are aged 19-65 years, receive KM weight loss treatment, understand the study objectives, and consent voluntarily. Clinical data of patient characteristics and KM treatment patterns will be regularly collected until 2026. The longitudinal accumulation of various RWD will establish a high-quality study database for KM weight loss treatment. With this study, we expect to contribute to understanding the current trend of weight loss treatment with KM and solve further questions regarding this treatment.

Positive short term effects of an integrative korean medicine treatment package for low back pain caused by motor vehicle accidents: A retrospective chart review of real - world practice data.

Backgrounds No standard treatment exist for reducing symptoms related to sequelae of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). In Korea, comprehensive Korean Medicine (KM) treatment that includes botanical drugs (herbal medicine), acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, tuina, moxibustion, and cupping is covered by automobile insurance and increasingly used to help alleviate such pain. This study aimed to analyze real-world data and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of comprehensive KM treatment for low back pain caused by MVAs. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received KM treatment during hospitalization. Records that lacked follow-up outcome assessments were excluded. The Verbal Numerical Rating Scale (VNRS), the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI) and the Korean version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (K-RMDQ) were evaluated at admission and discharge. Adverse events were also analyzed. A paired t-test was used to identify the effectiveness of KM treatment. Results A total of 50 patients, 30 males and 20 females, were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was 40.72 ± 13.31 years and the average treatment period was 7.22 ± 3.84 days. After treatment, VNRS, K-ODI and K-RMDQ were significantly improved (p < 0.001). There was a decrease from 5.06 ± 1.60 to 3.40 ± 1.81 in VNRS, 33.38 ± 16.88 to 24.54 ± 13.63 in K-ODI, and 6.84 ± 6.27 to 4.14 ± 4.38 in K-RMDQ. During this period, a total of two adverse events were reported. Discussion Although this retrospective chart review looked into the short term effects only, comprehensive KM treatment might be an effective and safe therapeutic option to reduce acute low back pain especially after MVA. Prospective research data is needed to support this hypothesis.

A spadework for integrative medicine based critical pathways for facial palsy: Web-based survey from traditional Korean medicine doctors.

Patients affected with facial palsy consult both traditional Korean medicine doctors and conventional medicine doctors. Considering that the optimal approach varies depending on the progress of the disease, there is a need for facial palsy management through integrated medical care. However, no critical pathway has been developed to manage facial palsy from an integrated medical perspective. The aims of this study were to (a) explore treatment utilization status and awareness for facial palsy; (b) understand possible traditional Korean medicine modalities; and (c) suggest interventions to be included in integrated medical service for treating facial palsy. Regarding existing papers in relevant field, draft of questionnaire was firstly established. Eight-person development committee was comprised and reviewed the draft and modified the items of questionnaire. As an independent committee, the authors of present study have rechecked the validity and reliability of modified items of questionnaire. A questionnaire was developed comprising 21 items, including demographic characteristics, clinical statement, recognition, and demands and directions to improve the quality of newly developing critical pathways. Using the services of the Association of Korean Medicine and Medistream, the questionnaire was sent via a web-based survey to traditional Korean medicine doctors. A total of 1017 valid questionnaires were collected from traditional Korean medicine doctors. Of the total doctors who responded, over 75% stated that they utilized integrated medical systems in various forms. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and thermal therapy were presented as key traditional Korean medicine treatments to be included in the critical pathway for the establishment of integrated medical services. Conversely, corticosteroids, antivirals, and blood sugar management were chosen to be critical among conventional medical treatments. Considering the responses collected in the present study and the progressive nature of facial palsy, various interventions in both conventional and traditional Korean medicine services need to be included in relevant critical pathways. If the critical pathway developed based on the present study is established, relevant clinical practice guidelines could be made available in an integrated medical system.

Current Status of Korean Medicine Treatment for Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome: A Survey of Korean Medicine Doctors

Background: The applicability of Korean medicine (KM) treatments for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome were investigated.Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey of Korean medical doctors (KMDs) was conducted in June 2022. The 25-item questionnaire comprised of five parts: basic characteristics, prescribed post-COVID-19 KM treatments, treatment effect in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, patient satisfaction, and awareness and utilization of the relevant KM Clinical Practice Guideline by the KMDs.Results: In total, 1,063 completed questionnaires were collected, and 822 were analyzed. The most common symptoms in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome treated by KMDs was weakness and fatigue (84.3%). Herbal decoctions (39.2%) and herbal powder (not covered by medical insurance; 25.8%) were primarily used. Among the KMDs, 95% (n = 781) responded that KM treatments, particularly herbal decoctions (82.6%) and herbal powder (not covered by medical insurance; 46.8%), were effective. Overall, 92.6% (n = 761) of KMD participants answered that the patients were satisfied with KM treatments, mostly due to symptomatic improvement (60.8%). The primary reason for dissatisfaction was the burden of cost for patients (78.4%). The main reasons for low uptake of KM services by patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome were lack of publicity and administrative issues such as no health insurance coverage.Conclusion: KM is highly applicable for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Health policies supporting the use of KM for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome are recommended.

An Overview of Clinical Features, and Medical Access Among Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndromes: Analysis of a Nationwide Survey in Korea

Background: The objective of this study was to identify the clinical features of patients who recovered from COVID-19, and to determine their unmet medical needs and quality of life.Methods: A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in Korea in June 2022, targeting patients with at least four weeks of symptoms of COVID-19. The questionnaire survey had 37 items across: basic characteristics, acute COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID) symptoms, access to medical facilities for long COVID, unmet medical needs, long COVID support system, and quality of life.Results: Among 1,430 responses, 745 (52.1%) respondents had experienced long COVID. The most common symptoms were ear, nose, and throat complications (n = 461, 61.9%), followed by weakness and fatigue (n = 393, 52.8%). Amongst the 745 respondents who experienced long COVID, 337 (45.2%) had visited a medical institution, of which, 84.9% had visited a clinic or hospital for treatment. Korean medicine clinics and hospitals had the highest satisfaction rates (43.4%). There were 242 respondents (32.5%) who reported unmet medical needs for their long COVID. Symptom severity and duration of COVID-19 were risk factors for unmet medical needs. Quality of life was low in those patients with long COVID and unmet medical needs, and decreased further with increased severity and longer duration of symptoms.Conclusion: Studies on the effects of Korean medicine treatment of long COVID, and establishing a system providing sufficient treatment for patients with long COVID are needed. These findings could be used by clinicians, researchers, and COVID-19-related policymakers.

A Case Report: Korean Medicine Treatment for Miller-Fisher Syndrome with Ophthalmoplegia

The purpose of this case report was to document the efficacy of Korean medicine as a treatment for Ophthalmoplegia of Miller-Fisher Syndrome. A 57-year-old male patient was treated with acupuncture, electropuncture, pharmacopuncture, and cupping treatments for 2 months. Symptom changes were evaluated using the Scott and Kraft score, photographs of eyeball movement, and the Yanagihara score. Korean medicine treatment significantly improved the eye movements, ncreased the Scott and Kraft score from -4 to 0, and improved the Yanagihara score from 20 to 32. Korean medicine treatment could effectively and quickly treat Ophthalmoplegia of Miller-Fisher Syndrome.

A Review of Research Trends in Traditional Korean Medicine for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in research on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using Korean traditional medicine.Methods: This review included studies related to the treatment of NAFLD, irrespective of the year of publication. The search terms were “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease”, “non-alcoholic fatty liver”, “nonalcoholic hepatitis”, “herb”, “herbal medicine”, “acupuncture”, and “traditional medicine”. The studies were analyzed according to the type of research.Results: After screening, 179 studies were selected from the 592 identified by the search. The types of studies were 151 in vivo or in vitro studies, 5 randomized controlled trials, 12 case reports, 2 unspecified clinical studies, 8 review articles, and 1 article that was difficult to classify.Conclusion: Analysis of the trends in Korean traditional medicine treatment by reviewing the studies on NAFLD revealed a focus on experimental studies rather than clinical studies. Therefore, multifaceted and well-designed studies are needed.

A Review of Clinical Studies for Chinese Medicine Treatment of Idiopathic Edema Using the CNKI Database

Objectives: This study investigated the latest clinical studies on Korean medicine treatment of idiopathic edema in the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI).Methods: We searched the last 9 years of clinical studies discussing Oriental medicine-based treatments for idiopathic edema in the CNKI database. The search focused on the authors, publication year, type of study, purposes of study, method and duration of treatment, evaluation criteria, and results of the selected articles.Results: The search identified 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 9 others. All studies used oral herbal medicine for treatment. The most commonly used herbs were Poria Sclerotium (茯苓), Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (白朮), and Alismatis Rhizoma (澤瀉), which are the constituent herbs of Oryeong-san (五苓散). All 16 studies confirmed the efficacy of Oriental medicine treatments.Conclusion: More varied and scientifically designed clinical studies are required to develop treatments for idiopathic edema. The results of this study could be used as basic data for further studies on idiopathic edema.