Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Score Research Articles

Study on the clinical effect of meridian massage in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

To observe the clinical efficacy of meridian massage in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation(LDH). Between July 2020 and April 2023, 82 patients with lumbar disc herniation were selected, including 58 males and 24 females, aged from 23 to 55 years old with an average of (43.76±6.64) years old. According to the different treatment methods, they were divided into observation group and control group with 41 cases in each group. The control group was treated with routine treatment, and the observation group was treated with meridian massage on the basis of routine treatment. In the control group, there were 30 males and 11 females;aged from 22 to 52 years old with an average of (42.27±9.34) years old;the Body mass index (BMI) ranged from 19 to 28 kg·m-2 with an average of(23.82±1.08) kg·m-2;the course of disease ranged from 0.5 to 3.0 years (2.40±0.48) years. There were 28 cases in L4,5 segment and 13 cases in L5S1 segment. In the observation group, there were 28 males and 13 females;the age ranged from 19 to 54 years old (42.19±9.26) years old;the BMI ranged from 18 to 29 kg·m-2 with an average of(23.73±1.15) kg·m-2;the course of disease ranged from 0.6 to 2.8 with an average of(2.56±0.45) years;there were 26 cases in L4,5 segment and 15 cases in L5S1 segment. Visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), M-JOA score and TCM syndrome score were measured before and after 3 courses of treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated by the standard of curative effect evaluation. After treatment, VAS [(3.24±1.45) vs(4.46±0.64)], ODI [(11.45±1.98)% vs (17.21±2.74)%] and TCM symptom score [(2.03±0.27) vs (3.99± 0.54)] of the observation group were lower than those of the control group. The score of M-JOA [(23.43±2.61) vs (19.37±1.62)] increased (P<0.05). The scores of VAS, ODI and TCM symptoms in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, while the scores of M-JOA were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Meridian massage is effective in the treatment of LDH, which can effectivelyrelieve low back pain, improve clinical symptoms and increaselumbar function, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Combination therapy of Sanjie Zhentong capsules for endometriosis: Impact on hormone regulation and serum expression of FOLR1 and MSLN.

Examining the impact of Sanjie Zhentong capsules on hormone levels and serum expression of folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) and Mesothelin (MSLN) in endometriosis patients. A cohort of 150 endometriosis patients admitted between June 2019 and June 2023 was divided into 2 groups based on Sanjie Zhentong intake, comprising 75 cases each. Comparative analyses encompassed uterine artery hemodynamic parameters, ultrasound (B-mode) findings, Visual Analog Scale scores, traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, Endometriosis Health Profile-30 scores, and serum levels of FOLR1, MSLN, and sex hormones before and after treatment. Post-treatment, both groups exhibited increased peak systolic velocity compared to pretreatment, with the Sanjie Zhentong group showing a significantly higher increase (P < .05). Moreover, resistance index decreased in both groups post-treatment, with the Sanjie Zhentong group displaying a greater reduction (P < .05). Adnexal mass diameters, endometrial thickness, and uterine volume decreased post-treatment in both groups, with the Sanjie Zhentong group experiencing a more pronounced decrease (P < .05). Serum FOLR1, MSLN, and sex hormone levels also decreased post-treatment in both groups, with the Sanjie Zhentong group exhibiting a more significant decrease (P < .05). Additionally, pain scores, traditional Chinese medicine symptoms, and Endometriosis Health Profile-30 scores decreased post-treatment in both groups, with the Sanjie Zhentong group demonstrating a greater reduction (P < .05). Sanjie Zhentong capsules demonstrate efficacy in regulating sex hormones, reducing serum FOLR1 and MSLN expression, alleviating pain, shrinking adnexal masses, decreasing uterine size, and improving uterine artery blood flow in endometriosis patients.

Application of buried auricular point combined with Wenjing Sanhan prescription in arteriosclerosis obliterans patients with resting pain.

Research on the combined use of ear acupoint embedding beans and warming meridians with cold-dispersing formulas for alleviating resting pain in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) remains limited. To explore the therapeutic efficacy of auricular point embedding beans combined with Wenjing Sanhan prescription in alleviating resting pain in patients with lower-limb ASO. A total of 100 patients with ASO experiencing resting pain who were treated at our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were enrolled. They were randomly allocated into two groups using a double-blind approach. The control group was treated using a warming meridian with a cold-dispersing formula, while the study group received additional treatment with ear acupoint embedding beans. The clinical efficacy, ankle-brachial artery pressure ratio, hemorheological indicators, and traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores were compared between the two groups. The clinical efficacy rate in the study group was significantly higher (94.00%) than that in the control group (72.00%, P < 0.05). Moreover, the ankle-brachial artery pressure ratio was significantly higher in the study group after treatment (P < 0.05). Hemorheological parameters, including whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity (1.83 ± 0.11) mPa/s, fibrinogen levels (3.30 ± 0.21) g/L, platelet adhesion rate (49.87% ± 10.51%), and erythrocyte aggregation index (1.79 ± 0) were improved in the study group compared to the control group. In addition, the scores for decreased skin temperature (1.41 ± 0.26), intermittent claudication (1.30 ± 0.20), and resting pain (1.23 ± 0.31) were significantly lower in the study group than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The level of oxidative stress in the study group also exhibited significant improvement (P < 0.05), and the levels of inflammatory factors were considerably lower than those in the control group. The combination of ear point embedding beans and Wenjing Sanhan prescription demonstrates promising clinical efficacy in alleviating resting pain associated with ASO.

Clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine combined with Western medicine in the treatment of persistent human papillomavirus infection in patients with infertility

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Fuzheng Jiedu formula combined with interferon in the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in patients with infertility. Methods: A total of 750 infertile patients with persistent HPV infection were randomly divided into Group A (n=240, interferon), Group B (n=260, Fuzheng Jiedu formula), and Group C (n=250, interferon + Fuzheng Jiedu formula). The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms, efficacy, immune function, and HPV conversion were compared among the three groups, and statistical analysis was conducted on the data before and after treatment among the three groups, including TCM symptom score, total efficacy, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ levels, and HPV-DNA conversion rate. Results: The total efficacies of Group A, Group B, and Group C were 89.58%, 62.50%, and 98.00%, respectively; the conversion rates of HPV-DNA in Group A, Group B, and Group C were 62.50%, 67.31%, and 90.00%, respectively. The TCM symptom score of the three groups was most significantly reduced in Group C, followed by Group B, and there was a statistical difference between the groups (P&lt;0.05). The efficacy of the three groups was highest in Group C, followed by Group A, and Group B, with statistical differences (P&lt;0.05). Pairwise comparison of the HPV conversion rates of the three groups showed that Group C had the highest HPV conversion rate (P&lt;0.05); HPV16 and HPV18 subtypes displayed high conversion rates among the different HPV subtypes (P&lt;0.05), whereas the comparisons between the remaining subtypes showed no statistically significant differences (P&gt;0.05). CD3+, CD4 +, and CD4+/CD8+ levels showed an increasing trend in the three groups after treatment, whereas the CD8+ level decreased (P&lt;0.05). Pairwise comparison showed that CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels were more elevated in Group C than those in Groups A and B (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Fuzheng Jiedu formula notably improves the efficacy of HPV persistent infection and HPV conversion rate in patients with infertility, and its efficacy is better than that of TCM and Western medicine alone. The mechanism is mainly related to the fact that TCM improves the symptom score of syndromes of spleen asthenia and dampness encumbrance and increases CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ levels. The effect of combined therapy on improving immunity is more advantageous than that of TCM or Western medicine alone.

Primary premature ejaculation of kidney deficiency and liver stagnation treated with warm acupuncture of large-quantity moxibustion: a randomized controlled trial

To explore the clinical effect of warm acupuncture with large-quantity moxibustion on primary premature ejaculation (kidney deficiency and liver stagnation). A total of 240 patients with primary premature ejaculation (kidney deficiency and liver stagnation) were randomly divided into a warm acupuncture group (80 cases, 5 cases dropped out), an acupuncture group (80 cases, 4 cases dropped out) and a western medication group (80 cases, 6 cases dropped out). In the warm acupuncture group, a large quantity of moxibustion was delivered after acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zhongji (CV 3), as well as bilateral Fengchi (GB 20), lateral line 3 of forehead (MS 4), neishengzhiqi (TF2), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), and etc. One treatment with warm acupuncture took 40 min, once daily; five treatments were given per week and 4 weeks of treatment was required. In the acupuncture group, moxibustion was not delivered, and the rest operation of acupuncture was same as the warm acupuncture group. In the western medication group, dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets were administered orally, 30 mg each time, taken with warm water 1 h to 3 h before sexual intercourse. Medication was administered at most once within 24 h, twice per week, and 6 times within 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the score of TCM symptoms, the score of premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT), intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and the serum sex hormone content (testosterone [T], luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicule stimulating hormone [FSH]) were observed and the clinical effect was evaluated in the three groups. After treatment, the scores for less duration of intercourse (<1 min), post-ejaculation fatigue, low spirit and decreased libido, and the total scores of TCM symptoms, as well as PEDT scores were reduced when compared with those before treatment in each group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and IELT was prolonged (P<0.01) in the three groups. The serum T content was increased when compared with that before treatment in the warm acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, in comparison with the acupuncture group and the western medication group, the scores for post-ejaculation fatigue, soreness and weakness in the lumbar region and knee joints, decreased libido, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep and frequent nocturnal enuresis, as well as the total score of TCM symptoms were lower (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the serum T content was increased (P<0.05) in the warm acupuncture group. When compared with the acupuncture group, PEDT scores were lower and IELT prolonged in the warm acupuncture group and the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rate was 82.7% (62/75) in the warm acupuncture group, higher than that of the acupuncture group (68.4%, 52/76) and the western medication group (64.9%, 48/74, P<0.05) respectively. Warm acupuncture with large-quantity moxibustion ameliorates the clinical symptoms and increases intravaginal ejaculation latency time and the levels of sex hormone in the patients with primary premature ejaculation (kidney deficiency and liver stagnation).

Innovative approaches for coronary heart disease management: integrating biomedical sensors, deep learning, and stellate ganglion modulation

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant global health concern, necessitating continuous advancements in treatment modalities to improve patient outcomes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers alternative therapeutic approaches, but integration with modern biomedical technologies remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a combined treatment approach for CHD, integrating traditional Chinese medicinal interventions with modern biomedical sensors and stellate ganglion modulation. The objective was to evaluate the impact of this combined treatment on symptom relief, clinical outcomes, hemorheological indicators, and inflammatory biomarkers. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 117 CHD patients with phlegm-turbidity congestion and excessiveness type. Patients were divided into a combined treatment group (CTG) and a traditional Chinese medicinal group (CMG). The CTG group received a combination of herbal decoctions, thread-embedding therapy, and stellate ganglion modulation, while the CMG group only received traditional herbal decoctions. The CTG demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the CMG across multiple parameters. Significant reductions in TCM symptom scores, improved clinical effects, reduced angina manifestation, favorable changes in hemorheological indicators, and decreased serum inflammatory biomarkers were observed in the CTG post-intervention. The combination of traditional Chinese medicinal interventions with modern biomedical sensors and stellate ganglion modulation has shown promising results in improving symptoms, clinical outcomes, and inflammatory markers in CHD patients. This holistic approach enhances treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Further research and advancements in sensor technology are needed to optimize this approach.

Clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on chronic heart failure complicated with depression

BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is challenging, with no ideal treatment at present. AIM To analyze the clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD) on CHF complicated with depression. METHODS The study cohort comprised 116 patients with CHF complicated with depression who received treatment from July 2020 to July 2023, of which 55 received Western medicine (control group) and 61 received XFZYD (research group). Data on clinical effectiveness, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, cardiac function, negative emotions, and serum inflammatory factors, were collected for comparative analyses. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the research group had an evidently higher total effective rate. Furthermore, there were marked reductions in TCM symptom score, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the research group after treatment, and these were lower than the corresponding values in the control group. Left ventricular ejection fraction was increased and higher in the research group compared with the control group after treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings conclusively proved that XFZYD was considerably superior to Western medicine for treating CHF complicated with depression because it significantly alleviated patients’ symptoms, improved cardiac function, relieved negative emotions, and reduced the levels of serum inflammatory factors.

Clinical Effect of Warm Acupuncture and Moxibustion Combined with Traditional Chinese Herbs in Treating Cold-Damp Stagnation Dysmenorrhea

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of warm acupuncture and moxibustion with traditional Chinese herbs in treating cold-damp stagnation dysmenorrhea. Methods: 76 patients with cold-damp stagnation dysmenorrhea admitted to our hospital were selected as the sample for study and evaluation, and the time of admission to the hospital was from January–December 2023. The patients were divided into an observation group (n = 38) and a control group (n = 38) using a random number table. The patients in the control group were treated with conventional Western analgesic drugs. In contrast, the patients in the observation group were treated with warm acupuncture and moxibustion together with traditional Chinese herbs. The clinical effective rate, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, NRS score, serum factor level, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: The clinical efficacy of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the TCM symptom score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the PGF2a and NRS scores of the observation group were lower than that of the control group, while the PGE2 was higher than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the incidence rate of adverse reactions of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Warm acupuncture and moxibustion combined with traditional Chinese herbs are effective in treating patients with cold-damp stagnation dysmenorrhea. This treatment regime alleviates clinical symptoms, reduces the degree of pain, improves the level of serum factor, and reduces the incidence of adverse reactions. Therefore, it should be popularized.

Acupoint application for Hashimoto's thyroiditis with liver-qi stagnation: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupoint application for Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) with liver-qi stagnation. One hundred and fifty patients of HT with liver-qi stagnation were randomly divided into an acupoint application group (75 cases, 11 cases were excluded, 5 cases dropped out) and a control group (75 cases, 12 cases excluded, 3 cases dropped out). Based on the health education combined with conventional western medicine treatment, the patients in the acupoint application group were treated with acupoint application, while the patients in the control group were treated with placebo acupoint application. Shenque (CV 8), bilateral Yongquan (KI 1), Yeshi, and ashi point were selected in both groups, with Yeshi treated once a week and the remaining acupoints treated every other day, for a total of 4 weeks. The serum levels of thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as the thickness of thyroid left lobe, right lobe, and isthmus, TCM symptom score, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) score, and MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Adverse reactions in both groups were observed. Compared with before treatment, in the acupoint application group, the serum levels of TgAb and TPOAb were reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and the scores of role physical (RP), body pain (BP), vitality (VT), role emotional (RE), and mental health (MH) in SF-36 were increased after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.001). The thickness of the thyroid isthmus after treatment was smaller than that before treatment (P<0.05), and the TCM symptom scores and HADS anxiety (HADS-A) scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P<0.001, P<0.01) in both groups. In the control group, the scores of physical function (PF), RP, BP, VT, and RE in SF-36 after treatment were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in serum FT3, FT4, and TSH levels within the groups (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the above indexes between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the acupoint application group and the control group was 20.0% (15/75) and 10.7% (8/75) respectively, with skin allergy being the main adverse reaction. Acupoint application could reduce the serum levels of TgAb and TPOAb in patients of HT with liver-qi stagnation, alleviate thyroid enlargement, improve TCM symptoms and anxiety, and improve quality of life, with safe and reliable clinical efficacy.

Efficacy of acupuncture-related therapy in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectivesIn order to compare and rank the most effective acupuncture therapy for primary dysmenorrhea and provide evidence-based medical support for clinical treatment of this disease. MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted on China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Information Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP), China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to May 1, 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool was used to evaluate bias risk, and the GeMTC package of Stata 15.1 software and R 4.3.1 software was used to perform network Meta-analysis. Results70 studies were included, including 5772 patients with primary dysmenorrhea, involving 25 kinds of acupuncture techniques commonly used in clinic. The quality of the included literature was low, most of them did not mention the registration information of clinical trial centers, and the specific sample size estimation method was unclear. Some literature did not explain the specific random method, distribution concealment and blindness, so there was a certain publication bias and small sample effect. Results showed that for improving the clinical effective rate, the top three treatments were salt-separated moxibustion, massotherapy + acupoint patching, acupuncture + heat-sensitive moxibustion. In terms of reducing the visual analogue scale(VAS), the top three treatments were massotherapy + acupoint patching, acupuncture + acupoint patching and warm acupuncture. In terms of alleviating cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS), the top three treatments were acupuncture + acupoint patching, acupoint patching and point embedding. In relieving TCM symptom score, the top three treatments were acupoint patching + heat-sensitive moxibustion, acupoint patching and moxibustion. ConclusionDifferent acupuncture therapies have more advantages than oral analgesics in improving the clinical effective rate, reducing VAS score, reducing CMSS score, and alleviating TCM symptom score. Among them, massage therapy + acupoint patching, acupuncture + acupoint patching and acupoint patching may be the best solutions for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. However, more large-sample, multi-center and high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to demonstrate.

Dry cupping as an adjuvant treatment of individuals with severe pneumonia: study protocol for a placebo-controlled, randomised study

BackgroundSevere pneumonia (SP) stands as one of the most prevalent critical illnesses encountered in clinical practice, characterised by its rapid onset and progression, numerous complications and elevated mortality rates. While...

Bushen Culuan Formula in treatment of infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome

This study aims to observe the efficacy and safety of Bushen Culuan Formula in the treatment of infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) and to explore the mechanism using metabolomics. Ninety-four patients with infertility caused by PCOS with the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis were selected and assigned into treatment and control groups(n=47). The basal body temperature(BBT) was measured, and B-ultrasonography was employed to monitor follicles, ovarian volume, endometrium, ovulation, and pregnancy. The serum levels of sex hormones including follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), prolactin(PRL), estradiol(E_2), progestin(P), testosterone(T), free testosterone(FT), androstenedione(A2), inhibin B(INHB), and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH) were measured. The coagulation function, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) symptom scores, blood and urine routine, liver and kidney functions and other safety indicators were determined. Metabolomics was employed to comparatively analyze the serum metabolites of 26 patients(13 patients in each group) in the clinical study. The results showed that the total response rate and pregnancy rate of the treatment group were higher than those of the control group(P&lt;0.001), suggesting that Bushen Culuan Formula regulated the sex hormones and ovarian function. Specifically, it reduced the levels of LH, T, FT, A2, and INHB(P&lt;0.05 or P&lt;0.01) and the LH/FSH ratio(P&lt;0.05), elevated the level of P(P&lt;0.05), promoted ovulation, increased endothelial thickness, and lowered TCM symptom scores without causing adverse reactions. A total of 24 differential metabolites were screened by metabolomics, and there were correlations between sex hormones and differential metabolites in the PCOS-induced infertility patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis. In conclusion, Bushen Culuan Formula may regulate hormone levels through lipid and amino acid metabolism.

Clinical study of Bushen Culuan Formula in treatment of ovulatory disorder infertility caused by hyperprolactinemia

This paper aims to study the therapeutic effect and safety of Bushen Culuan Formula in the treatment of patients with infertility caused by hyperprolactinemia. Sixty patients with infertility caused by hyperprolactinemia of kidney deficiency and blood stasis were divided into the treatment group(Bushen Culuan Formula + Bromocriptine Mesylate Tablets placebo) and the control group(Bromocriptine Mesylate Tablets + Bushen Culuan Formula placebo), and ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, serum sex hormones, basal body temperature(BBT), and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) symptom scores were observed. The results showed the clinical effective rate was 90.00% in the treatment group and 80.00% in the control group. The treatment group was able to significantly reduce the PRL level and increase the pregnancy rate, and it was superior to the control group in increasing the BBT biphasic ratio, improving the TCM symptom scores, and enhancing the ovulation rate. The results show that Bushen Culuan Formula is safe and reliable in treating ovulatory disorder infertility caused by hyperprolactinemia, with remarkable effects.

The effects of Gualou Qumai Wan combined with Sunitinib on VEGFA, HIF1A, and renal function in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma

[Objective:] To study the efficacy of Gualou Qumai Wan (GQW) combined with Sunitinib in the treatment of advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and its effects on vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), hypoxia inducible factor 1A (HIF1A), and renal function. [Method:] A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients with advanced ccRCC treated with GQW combined with Sunitinib at Shouguang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2021 to January 2023. Analyze the patient's quality of life, serum VEGFA and HIF1A levels, renal function indicators, T lymphocyte subgroup levels, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, and clinical efficacy. [Result:] The total effective rate of clinical efficacy in patients after treatment was 70%; The serum levels of VEGFA and HIF1A in patients were lower than before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05); The levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urinary albumin (ALB) in patients were lower than before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). Before and after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of T lymphocyte subgroup among patients (P&gt;0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom score and EORTC QoL-C30 score of the patients all decreased compared to before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.01). [Conclusion:] The combination of GQW and Sunitinib has a significant therapeutic effect on advanced ccRCC, and can effectively improve the levels of VEGFA, HIF1A, and renal function.

Effect of Self-developed Ye'an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction Combined with Tramadol on TCM Symptom Scores and RLS Severity of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome.

To investigate the effect of self-developed Ye'an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom scores and RLS Severity of patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). This was a clinical comparative study. Eighty patients with RLS admitted to Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from January 2022 to December 2022 were randomly divided into observation group and control group(n=40). Patients in the control group were given basic and oral tramadol treatment, while those in the observation group were given self-developed Ye'an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction based on the treatment in the control group. The differences of TCM symptom scores, RLS severity (IRLS), quality of life (QOL-RLS), sleep quality (PSQI) and clinical efficacy between the two groups were compared. Before treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed in the TCM symptom scores, IRLS scores, QOL-RLS scores and PSQI scores between the two groups (p>0.05). After treatment, the above scores decreased significantly in both groups, with a higher degree of decrease in the observation group than in the control group, indicating statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The QOL-RLS scores were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The overall response rate in the observation group was 95.00%, which was higher than that in the control group (80.00%), with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Self-developed Ye'an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction leads to numerous benefits in the treatment of RLS, such as obviously ameliorating patients' clinical symptoms, reducing RLS severity, and improving their quality of life and sleep quality.

Status of outcome measures in randomized controlled trials of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method in treatment of knee osteoarthritis

This study assesses the status of outcome measures in the randomized controlled trial(RCT) involving the kidney-tonif-ying and blood-activating method for treating knee osteoarthritis(KOA), aiming to establish a theoretical foundation for the development of a core set of outcome measures in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of KOA. The relevant articles were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, in addition to ClinicalTrials.gov and the China Clinical Trial Registration Center, with the time interval from inception to August 2023. The RCT of treating KOA with the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method was included. Two assessors independently conducted literature screening, data collection, and qualitative analysis to compile the outcome measure results. A total of 350 RCTs were included, involving 165 outcome measures with the total frequency of 1 462. These outcome measures were categorized into six domains: symptom and sign measures(23) with the frequency of 718(49.1%), TCM symptom and syndrome measures(3) with the frequency of 53(3.6%), physical examination measures(130) with the frequency of 506(34.6%), quality of life measures(4) with the frequency of 20(1.3%), long-term efficacy measures(2) with the frequency of 6(0.4%), and safety measures(3) with the frequency of 159(10.9%). Additionally, 53 studies used TCM syndrome and symptom scores as indicators of efficacy, employing eight distinct measurement tools. The RCTs involving the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method for treating KOA had a variety of problems, such as unclear prio-ritization of outcome measures, diversity in measurement tools, absence of standardized assessment criteria for specific measures, and non-standardized usage. These problems affected the research quality and reliability. Hence, it is advisable to draw upon international expertise, improve research design, and merge TCM efficacy characteristics with clinical research to establish a core set of KOA outcome measures aligned with TCM principles.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction in the Treatment of Chronic Gastritis.

Chronic gastritis (CG) is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which can progress to atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia. Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction (XSLJZD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription commonly used to treat digestive system diseases, is widely used to treat CG. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of XSLJZD in the treatment of CG. Chinese and English databases were searched, and randomized controlled trials of XSLJZD for the treatment of CG were collected from the establishment of the databases to December 28, 2022. Studies were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk-of-bias assessment tool in the Cochrane Handbook. Data from the included studies were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 15.1. Finally, funnel plots and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. Fourteen studies with a sample size of 1434 cases. XSLJZD has more advantages than conventional treatment in the treatment of CG, as it can improve the clinical cure rate, clinical efficacy rate, efficacy rate of endoscopic examination, recurrence rate, and TCM symptom scores, and is relatively safe. Funnel plots and Egger's tests indicated publication bias in the included studies. The results of the meta-analysis showed that XSLJZD has advantages in treating CG compared with conventional treatment and is relatively safe. However, owing to the limitations in the quality and quantity of the included studies, caution is recommended when generalizing and applying these results. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Efficacy and safety of the modified Zhiwang decoction combined with methotrexate in early rheumatoid arthritis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive inflammatory autoimmune disease characterised by chronic systemic inflammation, which can cause swelling, stiffening and destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Early diagnosis and treatment...

Efficacy of TCM Fumigation Using Dampness-and-cold-dispelling Formula Combined with Methotrexate and Leflunomide Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold-dampness Bi Syndrome

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease, has a high incidence and disability rate, causing patients significant discomfort. Although several medicines can be effective, they are also associated with significant adverse effects. In contrast, fumigation as one of the most often used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) external therapy has shown both efficacy and safety with less side effect. In light of this, we complement western medicine treatment with TCM fumigation therapy to improve patients' clinical efficacy, alleviate symptoms, and improve prognosis. ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of TCM fumigation and modern medicine combined therapy in treating RA patients with cold-dampness Bi syndrome. MethodsA single-center, randomized, controlled study was designed. From January 2022 to December 2022, a total of 60 RA patients with cold-dampness Bi syndrome were enrolled in the study. The control group (30 cases) received conventional modern medicine treatment with methotrexate for 4 weeks, while the observation group (30 cases) for 4 weeks received a combination of TCM fumigation treatment and conventional modern medicine. The effects of the two groups were comprehensively compared, including the changes in TCM symptom scores and laboratory indicators, as well as the use of visual analogue scale (VAS) and health status rating scale (HAQ) before and after treatment. ResultsThe total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group, which is 70% (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in joint functional activity, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ-DI) and laboratory indexes between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, each group compared to their initial condition, respectively, showed major improvement of joint functional activity and significantly decreased VAS, HAQ-DI, and RA-related biomarkers (P < 0.05); inter-group comparison of these indicators showed significanty further enhanced effect of TCM fumigation combined therapy on the RA-related biomarkers and joint functional activity of patients (P < 0.05), yet the control group receiving only modern medicine showed better results of the VAS and HAQ-DI . ConclusionThe TCM fumigation combined therapy is effective to treat RA patients with cold-dampness Bi syndrome, and to enhance their life quality, improving the joint function, and reducing inflammation.

The Effects of Prescription for Restoring Kidney Function on Chronic Kidney Failure (Renal Deficiency with Blood Stasis and Turbidity) and Its Impact on Renal Function

Objective: To analyze the clinical effects of Prescription for restoring kidney function in the treatment of chronic kidney failure with renal deficiency, blood stasis, and turbidity, and its influence on renal function recovery. Methods: A comparative treatment study was conducted on 72 patients with chronic kidney failure due to renal deficiency with blood stasis and turbidity, seen at the Yongchuan District Chinese Medicine Hospital in Chongqing (study period: February 2023 to October 2023). The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (36 cases) received standard treatment, and the study group (36 cases) received combined treatment with Prescription for restoring kidney function. Statistical analysis was performed on changes in traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, renal function indicators, and treatment effectiveness between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: (1) After treatment, the study group exhibited significantly lower scores for symptoms such as lumbar and knee soreness, shortness of breath, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and limb heaviness, as well as lower levels of blood Scr, BUN, and UA compared to the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). (2) Compared to the control group, the study group showed an increased clinical treatment effectiveness rate (94.44%), with a statistically significant difference (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Prescription for restoring kidney function provides precise clinical effectiveness in the treatment of chronic kidney failure with renal deficiency, blood stasis, and turbidity. It not only addresses symptom presentations according to traditional Chinese medicine but also corrects the metabolic function of the kidneys, optimizing clinical treatment outcomes.