Korean Medicine Research Articles

A Study on the Relationship Between Sayeok-tang and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Objectives: This research is designed to analyze the relationship between <i>Sayeok-tang</i>(四逆湯) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in literature.Methods: The main treatment symptoms of <i>Sayeok-tang</i>(四逆湯) presented in Sanghanron(傷寒論) and Geumgweyoryak (金匱要略), and the symptoms of Ju-hwang(走黃) and Nae-ham(內陷), which is a sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in Korean medicine were analyzed. The symptoms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome presented in the related researches including diagnosis criteria and international guideline presented at the consensus conference hosted by the American College of Chest Physicians and The Society of Critical Care Medicine were also compared and analyzed.Results: The main treatment symptoms of <i>Sayeok-tang</i>(四逆湯) and symptoms of systemic inflammatory response were very similar, and were almost identical to the symptoms of Nae-ham (內陷, especially Gun-ham (乾陷) and Heo-ham(虛陷)), which are the Korean medicine descriptions of sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.Conclusions: Based on the research results, <i>Sayeok-tang</i>(四逆湯) can be used as a treatment of systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes in the 2023 Busan Korean Medicine infertility Treatment Support Project

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the results and review the outcomes and satisfaction levels of the 2023 Busan Korean medicine infertility treatment support project.Methods: A total of 137 female and 26 male participated in the Korean medicine infertility treatment support project, which encompassed herbal medicine and pharmacopuncture treatment over 4-month period. Data pertaining to patients' general, demographic, and fertility-related characteristics were collected before treatment initiation. During treatment, information regarding the treatments administered by Korean medical doctors was recorded, along with post-treatment outcomes and satisfaction levels.Results: Out of 163 initially enrolled participants, data from 4 female participants were missing, data from 159 participants were analyzed. A total of 113 female and 22 male participants completed the treatment program (Completion rate 84.9%). Of these, 23 female participants achieved pregnancy (Pregnancy rate 20.4%). Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the treatment support project, with an average satisfaction score of 9.4 out of 10.Conclusions: The study analyzed the clinical findings of the 2023 Busan Korean medicine infertility treatment support project. These findings provide a basis for developing Korean medicine infertility support projects and related research.

정상 체중 비만 성인의 체지방 감량을 위한 한약 처방의 활용: 후향적 차트 리뷰

Objectives Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as a normal body weight according to Body Mass Index (BMI) but with a high body fat percentage. NWO is associated with metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors, thereby emphasizing the importance of body fat loss. The objective of this study is to evaluate changes in weight and body fat with NWO who were prescribed Korean herbal medicine. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for subjects with NWO, within the normal weight range but with over 30% body fat percentage. These subjects were prescribed herbal medicine for a 12-week between March 2021 and May 2023. Weight (kg), body fat mass (kg), body fat percentage (%) and % Fat Free Mass (FFM) loss/weight loss (%FFML) were assessed before and after the period. Reported adverse events were evaluated for severity, causality, and system-organ classes. Results A total of 42 subjects were included (mean±SD, weight 57.38±3.45 kg, body fat percentage 33.65±2.12%). The average weight loss rate was 6.99±3.22% with a reduction of 4.08±1.95 kg, while the body fat loss rate averaged 18.00± 0.08% with a decrease of 3.54±1.73 kg. The average of %FFML was 21.89±0.16%. Most adverse events reported were mild (90.9%) in severity, and the likelihood of events being 'Unlikely' increased from 48.8% to 64.3% as the program progressed. Conclusions The administration of Korean herbal medicine can be considered an appropriate method to alleviate normal weight obesity, without causing serious adverse reactions. Further well-designed controlled trials and clinical studies with the analysis of hematological indicators are needed to validate its efficacy.

Improvement of Facial Paralysis after Parotidectomy with Integrated Korean Medicine Treatment: A Case Report

Improvement of Facial Paralysis after Parotidectomy with Integrated Korean Medicine Treatment: A Case Report

Effects of Electromagnetic Acupuncture Combined with Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment on Pain and Dysfunction in a Patient with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

Effects of Electromagnetic Acupuncture Combined with Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment on Pain and Dysfunction in a Patient with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

Recurrent Bronchopneumonia in Bronchiectasis, Despite Antibiotic Treatment: A Case Report on Combined Treatment with Korean and Western Medicine

Background: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition leading to recurrent respiratory infections. Despite the use of antibiotics and other standard treatments, managing bronchiectasis remains challenging due to the frequent recurrence of airway infections and concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Given these challenges, traditional Korean medicine (TKM) has gained attention due to its potential to reduce the frequency of respiratory infections, possibly minimizing the need for antibiotics.Case report: A 59-year-old female with bronchiectasis experienced recurrent pneumonia and was treated with antibiotics for over 2 weeks without any significant improvement in clinical symptoms. She received comprehensive Korean medicine treatment, including herbal medicine (Sikyungbanha-tang combined with Bigwabojungikki-tang-gami), acupuncture, and Chuna manual therapy, for pulmonary rehabilitation. Post-treatment, clinically meaningful improvements were observed in symptoms, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and bronchopneumonic lesions on chest X-rays.Conclusion: This case suggests that complex traditional Korean medicine treatments for recurrent chronic airway inflammation due to bronchiectasis can lead to clinically significant improvements in symptoms and help to prevent recurrence.

A Case Report of Central Post-stroke Pain and Hemiparesis due to Anterior Cerebral Artery and Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction That Improved Following Treatment with Korean Medicine, Including Moxibustion

This case report describes a patient diagnosed with central post-stroke pain (CPSP) and hemiparesis due to anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery infarction. The patient was treated with Korean medicines, including moxibustion, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, Western medicine, and rehabilitation therapy for 67 days. CPSP improved based on scores on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) (from 8 to 0), paresthesia NRS (7 to 0), Manual Muscle Test (4/1 to 4+/4-), Korean version of the modified Barthel Index (24 to 73), National Institute of Health’s Stroke Scale (7 to 0), Global Deterioration Scale (1 to 1), and Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (27 to 29). No seizures, shocks, recurrent ischemic stroke, and liver dysfunction were recorded during the treatment. A moxibustion-induced burn healed within 7 days. This case suggests that moxibustion, combined with other treatments, has the potential to improve CPSP, without severe side effects.

A Case Report of a Patient with Insomnia Related To Fibromyalgia Treated with Korean Medicine, including Bunshimgi-eum

In this case report, we describe the effects of Korean Medicine therapies, including Bunshimgi-eum, on a patient hospitalized with insomnia due to fibromyalgia in a Korean Medicine Hospital. We treated the patient with Bunshimgi-eum for 21 of 27 hospital days. Post-treatment, we used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to measure the severity of insomnia. To determine the severity of multiple pain, including neck, low back, Lt. shoulder, Lt. elbow, Rt. knee, and hand, we used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). For evaluation of generic health status, we used the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale. After the treatment, the patient’s clinical symptoms improved, according to the ISI, NRS, and EQ-5D. The results of this case study suggest that Korean Medicine therapies, including Bunshimgi-eum, may have positive effects as a treatment for insomnia related to fibromyalgia.

A Case Report of Worsening Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection That Were Treated with Yigan-san-gami

Introduction: In this case report, we describe the clinical effectiveness of Yigan-san-gami in improving symptoms in a patient with worsening Alzheimer’s dementia after COVID-19 infection.Case presentation: Symptoms of dementia worsened in a patient with Alzheimer’s disease after COVID-19 infection. Western medicines were added following neurological consultation. However, there was no medicinal effect. The patient was treated with Korean medicine (Yigan-san-gami) three times a day. We used daily charts, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination-2 (K-MMSE-2), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Short Version Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS) to assess the patient’s symptoms. Cognitive decline and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) improved following the treatment with Yigan-san-gami.Conclusion: The results suggest that Yigan-san-gami may be effective in improving symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that worsen after COVID-19 infection.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for Chest Pain in Variant Angina

Variant angina causes chest pain due to abnormal coronary vasospasms. A 60-year-old male who was diagnosed with variant angina was admitted to the Oriental Medicine Hospital and treated with herbal medicines, including Pyungjinsujeom-san and Simjeok-hwan. After treatment, the frequency of chest pain and use of nitroglycerin decreased. Subjective symptoms of chest pain measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS) also decreased. These improvements persisted throughout the hospitalization period. In conclusion, Korean medicines, including Pyungjinsujeom-san and Simjeok-hwan, can be effective for patients with chest pain due to variant angina.

A Case Report of Chronic Functional Constipation after Lumbar Interbody Fusion That Improved Following Comprehensive Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment

This case report describe the effectiveness of combination treatment with Korean medicine for chronic functional constipation after lumbar interbody fusion. A female patient was treated for constipation lasting more than 6 months after surgery for lumbar disc herniation. For assessment, we used a NRS and Health-related Quality of Life Instrument with 8-Item Questionnaire (HINT-8). To assess changes in stool appearance, we used the Bristol Stool Scale. After 2 months of treatment, the NRS decreased from 8 to 1, the HINT-8 total score increased from 25 to 13, and the Bristol stool scale also improved. This case suggests that combined treatment with herbal medicine can improve symptoms of chronic constipation.

A Case of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Infection Treated with Korean Medicine

Hospital-acquired bacterial infections, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection (MIC: 32 mcg/ml), are common. We describe the case of a 63-year-old female patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage and VRE infection treated with Jashin-bowon-tang and Samhuang-sashim-tang for 57 days and 22 days, respectively. The therapeutic effect was assessed weekly via culture, color and viscosity of pus from a coccyx sore, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Vital signs were checked four times a day. Seventeen days after treatment, VRE was not colonized in patient and color and viscosity of pus, CRP and vital sign were improved. This case report suggests that Jashin-bowon-tang and Samhuang-sashim-tang might be an alternative option for VRE infection patients reducing the need for extended isolation periods and speeding up recovery times.

A Case Report of Functional Dyspepsia Treated with Beewha-eum

Objective: The purpose of this case study is to report the effectiveness of the Korean medicine Beewha-eum as a treatment for functional dyspepsia (FD).Methods: A patient diagnosed with a spleen-stomach deficiency-cold pattern in Korean medicine was treated with herbal medicines, including Beewha-eum. Symptom severity was assessed using the degree of self-reported dyspepsia (%), self-reported energy level, amount of food intake (%), total parenteral nutrition rate (cc/hour), body weight (kg), Nepean dyspepsia index (NDI-K), functional dyspepsia-related quality of life questionnaire (FD-QoL), and short form 36-item health survey (SF-36) score.Results: After treatment, the symptom severity of self-reported dyspepsia decreased from 100% to 10 to 15%, and the self-reported energy level increased from 20 to 80. The amount of food intake increased from 5% to 100%, and the total parenteral nutrition rate started from 60 cc/hour end in week 5. Body weight increased from 53.1 kg to 62 kg. The NDI-K score decreased from 105 to 31. The FD-QoL score increased from 19 to 68. The SF-36 score also increased from 102 to 116.Conclusion: The results suggest that the Korean medicine Beewha-eum could be an effective option for treating FD.

A Case Report of Integrative Treatment in a Type 2 Diabetes Patient with Multiple Symptoms and Evaluation Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Introduction: We describe the effects of Sosiho-tang decoction and insulin combination therapy, as well as the effect of integrated traditional Korean medicine therapy, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in a diabetic patient complaining of a range of diabetic symptoms.Case report: A 24-year-old female presented with symptoms of diabetes, including weight loss, thirst, and polyuria, and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes through blood tests, endocrine tests, and autoantibody tests. During hospitalization, the patient received insulin therapy and Sosiho-tang decoction concurrently, achieving normal blood glucose levels. After discharge, adhering to the Sosiho-tang decoction and CGM enabled the insulin dosage to be gradually reduced while maintaining normal blood glucose levels.Conclusion: Combination therapy with insulin and Sosiho-tang rapidly reduced hyperglycemia in the short term. CGM post-discharge allowed for observation of the patient’s blood glucose levels. Ultimately, Sosiho-tang medication lowered blood glucose levels, reduced insulin requirements, and facilitated a reduction in the insulin dosage.

A Case Report of Alcohol-Associated Cirrhosis Treated with Cheongganhaeju-tang

Objectives: This study identified the effects of Korean medicine treatment on a patient with alcohol-associated cirrhosis.Methods: A 50-year-old male with alcohol-associated cirrhosis was treated with Cheongganhaeju-tang from 10 November 2023 to 18 January 2024 to reduce fatigue, dyspepsia, anorexia, and weight loss and to improve laboratory findings, such as liver enzymes. We observed changes in the patient’s symptoms and laboratory findings during a treatment period of approximately 2 months.Results: With Cheongganhaeju-tang treatment, serum levels of liver enzymes remained stable, clinical symptoms improved, and alcohol cravings decreased.Conclusion: This case points to Cheongganhaeju-tang as a therapeutic option to manage alcohol-associated cirrhosis.

A Case Study of an In-Patient with Delirium Treated with Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami

Objective: In this case study, we describe the use of Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami to treat an in-patient with delirium.Methods: An in-patient with symptoms of delirium was treated with Korean medicine therapies, including the herbal medication Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami, for 7 days. To evaluate its therapeutic effect, we used the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) and Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS).Results: After the treatment, Nu-DESC and MDAS scores improved. Of note, instances of the patient calling out improved, in addition to the patient’s sleeping pattern. Although all the symptoms of delirium did not disappear completely, Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami had therapeutic effects.Conclusion: These results suggest that Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami may have a beneficial effect on delirium, without using other antipsychotic medications.

A Case Study of Korean Medicine Treatment in a Patient Complaining of Generalized Dystonia

We report a case of generalized dystonia that developed from oromandibular dystonia and improved following Korean medicine treatment. The patient was hospitalized for 18 days and treated with herbal medicine, mainly Hyeongbangsabaek-san and Soyangbowi-tang, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. To evaluate the clinical effects of the treatment, we used the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS) and Global Dystonia Severity Rating Scale (GDS) and checked dyskinesia occurrence in a diary recorded by the patient’s guardian. After 18 days of hospitalization, the UDRS for the trunk, upper extremities, and lower face improved by more than 50%, and the GDS for the whole region, except the larynx and lower face, also improved. In addition, the maximum duration of dystonia decreased from 6 hours to 3 hours, and the pain and numbness associated with dystonia disappeared. This case suggests that Korean medicine treatment is effective in treating generalized dystonia.

A Case Report of Complex Korean Medical Treatments, Including Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang, for Sleep Disorders Accompanied by a Herniated Intervertebral Disc

Objectives: We describe the clinical course in a 53-year-old female patient admitted to a Korean Medicine Hospital with insomnia disorder accompanied by a herniated intervertebral disc and managed with Korean medical treatments.Methods: The patient was treated with herbal medicines, including Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and Chuna manual therapy for 33 days. The therapeutic effect was evaluated based on the Insomnia Severity Index, Numerical Rating Scale score, Oswestry Disability Index, and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Scale.Results: Post-treatment, the Insomnia Severity Index decreased from 21 to 6, the Numerical Rating Scale score decreased from 7 to 3, the Oswestry Disability Index decreased from 60 to 18, and the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Scale increased from 0.35 to 0.85.Conclusions: Korean medical treatments improved the symptoms of this patient with insomnia disorder accompanied by a herniated intervertebral disc. Further clinical research on patients with insomnia disorder is needed.

Improvement in Balance and Walking in a Patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome Treated with Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture: A Case Report

Introduction: Gullain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rapid, symmetric muscle weakness that often follows respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Standard treatments include plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin, but outcomes can vary among patients. The integration of Korean medicine, notably unexplored in quantitative assessments of balance and walking, provides a novel approach to treatment.Case presentation: A 53-year-old male diagnosed with GBS presented to the hospital 8 days post-onset. He received treatments consisting of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and rehabilitation over a period of approximately 4 weeks. Upon admission, the patient exhibited symptoms of both limb weakness and paresthesia, requiring the use of a wheelchair. Post-treatment, muscle strength and balance were significantly improved, leading to the restoration of independent ambulation, including running.Conclusions: This case illustrates the potential of integrated Korean and conventional medical treatments to accelerate recovery in GBS patients, overcoming typical prognosis timelines. The improvements in gait and balance were substantiated by quantitative assessments, suggesting a promising area for further research into the effects of combined therapeutic approaches to GBS recovery.

Clinical pathways for Korean medicine: An implementation approach to impact on the clinical process and association with attitudes

BackgroundSouth Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare has developed clinical pathways for Korean Medicine (KM-CPs). As part of this initiative, a panel comprising Korean Medicine doctors (KMD) was assembled. This implementation study aimed to preliminarily explore how KM-CP implementation affects the appropriateness and efficiency of the clinical process and its relation to attitude. MethodsThrough random sampling, 311 KMDs were recruited as panelists to participate in two surveys. The surveys included information regarding the KM clinical environment and KM-CP implementation. A panel management program and educational materials were provided to KMDs between the two survey periods. Only 262 KMDs who responded to both surveys were included in the analysis. Three analyses were conducted: 1) descriptive analysis of the study variables, 2) panel analysis using the ordered logit regression model to elucidate the impact of KM-CP on the appropriateness and efficiency of the clinical process, and 3) ordered logit regression analysis of the association between KM-CP implementation and attitude. ResultsMore than two-thirds of the KMDs attempted to adopt KM-CP, with mostly positive perception expressed by these doctors. However, expectations and concerns coexist with the standardization of KM-CP. Cases in which KM-CPs were partially and mostly implemented respectively had negative and positive effects on the appropriateness and efficiency of the clinical process compared to those in which KM-CPs were not implemented. Compared to neutral attitude, positive and very positive attitudes tended to be associated with increased implementation of KM-CP. However, statistical significances were not observed. ConclusionsThe impact of KM-CP on the clinical process and its association with attitude were found to be statistically unclear or inconsistent. Considering the study limitations and implications, we suggest a policy and academic strategies aimed at fostering improvement to enhance its utility.