Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Score Research Articles

Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction on Heart Failure Patients with Middle-Range Coronary Heart Disease with Ejection Fraction

To investigate the impact of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on cardiac remodeling and quality of life of patients with heart failure and middle-range coronary heart disease with ejection fraction is the main objective of the study. 116 heart failure patients with coronary heart disease in the middle range of ejection fraction were divided as observation or control group. Clinical efficacy of both groups was observed and changes in traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, cardiac function classification, exercise tolerance, cardiac ultrasound indexes and quality of life were compared before and after treatment between both groups. Relative to before treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction of two groups enhanced dramatically (p<0.05) and the left ventricular enddiastolic diameter increased significantly (p<0.05). Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and left ventricular end-systolic diameter significantly declined (p<0.05). Relative to before treatment, physical limitation, physical condition, emotional change, social limitation score and total score in each dimension of Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire scale obviously declined in both groups (p<0.05), compared with control group following treatment. The above scores decreased in observation group relative to control group (p<0.05). Xuefu Zhuyu decoction can significantly enhance cardiac function and exercise tolerance of such cases, inhibit or reverse cardiac remodeling, and be beneficial to the improvement of quality of life.

Intracoronary Ultrasound Imaging Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine Nursing Applied in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease Patients with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Syndrome

This study was to explore the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing intervention based on intracoronary ultrasound imaging on patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and phlegm and blood stasis syndrome (PBSS). 100 hospitalized patients with CHD with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome (QDBSS) were rolled into the experimental (Exp) group (routine nursing intervention) and control (Ctrl) group (TCM nursing intervention, syndrome differentiation nursing), with 50 patients in each group. They underwent the intracoronary ultrasound imaging scanning. The results showed that after intervention, the plaque load (45.08 ± 6.02%), plaque eccentricity index (0.47 ± 0.08%), vascular remodeling index (0.53 ± 0.11%), and vascular external elastic membrane area (8.67 ± 3.06 mm2) of the Exp group were notably inferior to those of the Ctrl group (60.22 ± 5.82%, 0.59 ± 0.08%, 0.71 ± 0.09%, and 10.56 ± 2.31 mm2). The total effective rate in the Exp group (88%) was greatly superior to that of the Ctrl group (68%). In terms of TCM symptom scores, the TCM symptom scores of chest pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath in the Exp group after intervention (1.07 ± 0.21 points, 0.75 ± 0.27 points, and 0.58 ± 0.12 points) were notably inferior to those in the Ctrl group (1.62 ± 0.28 points, 1.03 ± 0.21 points, and 0.79 ± 0.14 points). In the Exp group, after intervention, the degree of physical activity limitation (67.05 ± 5.08 points), the stable state of angina pectoris (65.28 ± 3.76 points), the frequency of angina pectoris attack (85.92 ± 2.97 points), the degree of treatment satisfaction (75.39 ± 5.94 points), the cognition score of disease (63.56 ± 5.84 points), the levels of triglyceride (1.27 ± 0.41 mmol/L), and total cholesterol (2.24 ± 0.41 mmol/L) were remarkably inferior to the Ctrl group (52.97 ± 4.31 points, 50.77 ± 4.69 points, 71.36 ± 3.77 points, 64.08 ± 5.64 points, 51.77 ± 6.33 points, 2.09 ± 0.57 mmol/L, and 3.06 ± 0.84 mmol/L) (P < 0.05). It suggested that intracoronary ultrasound imaging can clearly display the coronary plaques of patients and accurately evaluate the clinical efficacy of patients with CHD. The TCM nursing program can greatly improve the angina symptoms and quality of life of patients with CHD and PBSS, reduce blood lipid levels, and effectively improve the clinical efficacy of patients.

Acupoint thread-embedding as adjuvant therapy for bronchial asthma in children and its effect on pulmonary function, serum IgA and IgE levels

To observe the efficacy of acupoint thread-embedding combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol for chronic persistent bronchial asthma of lung-spleen qi deficiency and spleen-kidney yang deficiency in children and its effect on pulmonary function and serum levels of IgA and IgE. A total of 120 children with chronic persistent bronchial asthma were randomly divided into an observation group (60 cases, 9 cases dropped off) and a control group (60 cases, 7 cases dropped off). The control group was treated with fluticasone propionate aerosol (125 μg per inhalation), twice a day; based on the control group treatment, the observation group was treated with acupoint thread-embedding at Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Feishu (BL 13), Zusanli (ST 36) and Danzhong (CV 17), once half a month. Both groups were treated for 3 months. The pulmonary function, serum IgA, IgE levels and TCM symptom score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. After treatment, the large airway function (peak expiratory flow [PEF], forced expiratory volume at the first second [FEV1]) and small airway function (maximal expiratory flow at 25% of the forced capacity [MEF25%], maximal expiratory flow at 50% of the forced capacity [MEF50%], maximal expiratory flow at 75% of the forced capacity [MEF75%] and midexpiratory flow 25%-75% [MEF25%-75%]) were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the pulmonary function in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum IgA levels in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the serum IgE levels and TCM symptom scores were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05); the serum IgA level in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the serum IgE level and TCM symptom score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 94.1% (48/51) in the observation group, which was higher than 88.7% (47/53) in the control group (P<0.05). Acupoint thread-embedding combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol could improve the pulmonary function, TCM symptoms and serum IgA and IgE levels in children with chronic persistent bronchial asthma of lung-spleen qi deficiency and spleen-kidney yang deficiency. The curative effect is better than fluticasone propionate aerosol alone.

Clinical and mechanism research on functional erectile dysfunction treated with moxibustion and qiangshen shugan qiwei decoction

To observe the clinical therapeutic effect on functional erectile dysfunction (FED) of kidney deficiency and liver stagnation treated by Baixiao moxibustion and qiangshen shugan qiwei decoction. A total of 120 patients with FED were randomized into an observation group (60 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (60 cases, 4 cases dropped off). In the control group, the patients were treated with oral qiangshen shugan qiwei decoction (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Rhizoma Curculiginis, Herba Epimedii, etc.), one dose daily. In the observation group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, Baixiao moxibustion was exerted along the distribution of governor vessel on the back, 30 min each time, once a week. The treatment duration was 4 weeks in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of international index of erectile function-5 (IIEF5), erectile hardness scale (EHS), erectile dysfunction inventory of treatment satisfaction (EDITS) and TCM symptoms were observed in the patients of the two groups. Before and after treatment, the levels of serum sex hormones (testosterone [T], luteinizing hormone [LH], estradiol [E2], prolactin [PRL]) and the expressions of relevant proteins (matrix metalloproteinase-3 [MMP-3], matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9] and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) were determined in the patients of the two groups separately. The penile vascular function (peak systolic velocity [PSV], end-diastolic velocity [EDV], resistance index [RI]) was compared before and after treatment. Besides, the clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated. After treatment, the scores of IIEF5, EHS and EDITS were all increased as compared with the values before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores of TCM symptoms were reduced as compared with the values before treatment in the patients of the two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of IIEF5, EHS and EDITS in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the score of TCM symptoms was lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of T and LH in serum of the two groups and the expressions of serum MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the observation group were all increased as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), the levels of E2 and PRL in the observation group and VEGF expressions in the two groups were all reduced as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The levels of serum T and LH and the expressions of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the observation groups were all higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the levels of E2 and PRL and VEGF expression were lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, PSV was increased and EDV was reduced as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (P<0.05), RI in the observation group was reduced as compared with that before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, PSV in the observation group was higher and EDV and RI were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 87.9% (51/58) in the observation group, higher than 76.8% (43/56) in the control group (P<0.05). The combined therapy of Baixiao moxibustion and qiangshen shugan qiwei decoction effectively increases erectile function, erectile hardness and treatment satisfaction in the patients with functional erectile dysfunction of kidney deficiency and liver stagnation, as well as improves penile vascular function. The effect mechanism of this therapy may be related to the regulation of serum sex hormones and relevant proteins.

The efficacy and safety of modified Gegenqinlian Fomular for advanced colorectal cancer (damp heat accumulation type): A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Introduction:CRC, the incidence of the fourth highest among males and the third among females, is one of the malignant tumors that seriously threaten human health. The principle of treatment for advanced stage CRC is a multidisciplinary and comprehensive treatment based on chemotherapy, which always bring significant toxic side effects. CHM has advantages in the treatment of tumors with the effect on improving clinical symptoms and reducing side effects. GGQL formula is mainly used for treating abnormal defecates caused by damp-heat, so we will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified GGQL formula for patients with advanced CRC with the type of damp-heat in this study.Methods:Multicenter RCT with two parallel groups in three hospitals planning to recruit 120 CRC patients with the type of damp-heat will be conducted. The control group will be treated by basic antitumor therapy and the treatment group will use modified GGQL formula plus basic antitumor therapy. The primary outcomes will be quality of life, TCM symptom score, PFS and OS, and the secondary outcomes will be performance status, size of tumor, tumor marker in the serum, tumor microenvironment and immune status. All analyses will be based on an intention-to-treat principle. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese medicine (2021Y-06017). The results will be published in relevant journal.Discussion:The results of this RCT will contribute to Chinese herbal medicine for treating CRC patients with the type of damp heat accumulation.Trial registration:ChiCTR2100050754 (September 4, 2021).

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Recombinant Human Interferon α2b in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasias Patients.

Cervical cancer is a common malignant neoplasm in women, and its incidence is increasing year by year. This study explored the effects of traditional Chinese medicine combined with recombinant human interferon α2b in cervical cancer patients. 178 cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) combined with high-risk HPV-positive patients from June 2017 to August 2020 were divided into the study group (n = 89 cases) and the control group (n = 89 cases) by the random number table method. Patients in the control group were treated with recombinant human interferon α2b, and the study group was treated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on the basis of the control group. After treatment, the recurrence rate in the study group was significantly decreased while the human papillomavirus (HPV) negative conversion rate was significantly increased. 3 months after treatment, the TCM symptom scores in the study group were lower than in the control group. Moreover, serum levels of inflammatory factors decreased in both groups, and the decrease was more significant in the study group. After treatment, the ultrasound parameters were significantly decreased in the study group than in the control group. In conclusion, traditional Chinese medicine combined with recombinant human interferon α2b in cervical cancer patients could effectively improve the negative conversion rate of HPV infection, the level of inflammatory factors, reduce the degree of cervical erosion, and enhance the immunity of patients with high safety and significantly improve the quality of life.

Shumian capsule improves symptoms of sleep mood disorder in convalescent patients of Corona Virus Disease 2019.

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Shumian capsule in improving the symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of convalescent patients of COVID-19. Totally 200 patients were collected and randomly divided into experiment group (n = 100) and control group (n = 100). The control group was treated with Shumian capsule simulator, and the experiment group was treated with Shumian capsule. The improvement of TCM symptom score, the total effective rate and symptom disappearance rate of TCM symptoms in the two groups before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical effect was evaluated. One week after treatment, the scores of anxiety symptoms in the experiment group were significantly different from those in the control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the scores of insomnia and depression between the experiment group and the control group (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total effective rate and disappearance rate of TCM symptoms of insomnia, anxiety and depression between the experiment group and the control group (P > 0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the scores of insomnia, anxiety, depression and the total effective rate of TCM symptoms in the experiment group were significantly different from those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the disappearance rate of insomnia, anxiety and depression between the experiment group and the control group (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in heart rate, respiration, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure between the experiment group and the control group (P > 0.05). Shumian capsule can significantly improve the symptoms of insomnia, anxiety and depression in COVID-19's convalescent patients with sleep and mood disorders.

Effect of Combining Early Chemotherapy with Zhipu Liujunzi Decoction under the Concept of Strengthening and Consolidating Body Resistance for Gastric Cancer Patients and Nursing Strategy.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of combining early chemotherapy with Zhipu Liujunzi decoction under the concept of strengthening and consolidating body resistance for gastric cancer patients and nursing strategy. Methods The clinical data of 100 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy in our hospital from July 2019 to July 2020 were selected for the retrospective analysis, and the patients were divided into the control group and experimental group according to different treatment methods, with 50 cases in each group. Early chemotherapy after surgery was given to patients in the control group, and on the basis of the aforesaid treatment and under the concept of strengthening and consolidating body resistance, patients in the experimental group took Zhipu Liujunzi decoction and received the nursing strategy, so as to compare their effective rate, adverse reaction rate (ARR), immune function indicators, KPS scores, and nursing satisfaction scores. Results After treatment, the experimental group obtained significantly higher objective remission rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) (P < 0.05), lower carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels (P < 0.001), higher immune parameters levels (P < 0.001), higher KPS scores and lower TCM symptom scores (P < 0.001), lower PSQI scores, SAS scores, and SDS scores (P < 0.001) and higher nursing satisfaction scores (P < 0.001), and lower total accidence rate of toxic side effects (P < 0.05) than the control group. Conclusion Under the concept of strengthening and consolidating body resistance, combining early chemotherapy with Zhipu Liujunzi decoction is a reliable method for improving the immune function and quality of life for gastric cancer patients with higher safety. Such a strategy greatly reduces the tumor marker levels in patients. Further research will be conducive to establishing a better solution for gastric cancer patients.

Clinical efficacy and safety of removing blood stasis and removing phlegm in the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Epilepsy is a chronic encephalopathy caused by abnormal discharge of neurons in the brain, resulting in brain dysfunction. Cognitive impairment is one of the most common complications of epilepsy. The current treatment of epilepsy in the control of symptoms at the same time cause a lot of side effects, especially the aggravation of cognitive impairment. Many literatures have stated that the efficacy and safety of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment is superior to that of western medicine alone. In this systematic review, we intend to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of removing stasis and resolving phlegm in the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment.Methods:We will search The Cochrane Library, EMbase, Pubmed, Web of Science, Chinese Journal Full-Text Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and VIP database. Simultaneously we will retrieval relevant meeting minutes, eligible research reference lists, symposium abstracts, and gray literatures. We will not apply any restrictions to the language and publication date. All randomized controlled trials about the efficacy and safety of removing blood stasis and phlegm in the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment will be included. Two authors will independently carry out. Any objections will be worked out by a third author through consultation. We will use the Revman 5.3 and Stata 13.0 software for data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, meta regression, subgroup analysis, and risk of bias assessment. The grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation standard will be used to evaluate the quality of evidence.Results:This systematic review will synthesize the data from the present eligible high quality randomized controlled trials to assess whether the treatment of removing blood stasis and phlegm is effective and safety for epilepsy with cognitive impairment from various evaluation aspects including clinical efficacy of epilepsy, EEG improvement rate, MOCA score, QOLIE-31 cognitive function score, traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, incidence of adverse reactions, frequency of seizures of epilepsy, and duration of seizure of epilepsy.Conclusion:The systematic review will provide evidence to assess the efficacy and safety of removing blood stasis and phlegm in the treatment of patients with epilepsy with cognitive impairment.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42021224893.

Effect of acupuncture for regulating spleen and stomach on aspirin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effect of acupuncture for regulating spleen and stomach on aspirin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and explore the effect mechanism. A total of 68 T2DM patients complicated with aspirin resistance were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 34 cases in each one. On the base of the conventional treatment for diabetes, aspirin enteric-coated tablets were prescribed for oral administration, 100 mg each time, once daily in the control group. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, acupuncture was used for regulating spleen and stomach at Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Hegu (LI 4), etc., once daily. The treatment for 1 week was as one course and 4 courses of treatment were required totally in two groups. Before and After treatment, the indexes of platelet function (platelet aggregation rate [PAG] and salicylic acid concentration), the indexes of vascular endothelial function (6-keone prostaglandin F1α[6-keto-PGF1α], thromin B2 [TXB2] and cyclooxysynthase-2 [COX-2]), blood glucose (fasting plasma glucose [FPG], 2 h plasma glucose [2h PG] and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c]), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), blood lipid indexes (total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerol [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) and the total score of TCM symptoms were observed in the patients of two groups. Clinical therapeutic effect and safety was compared in the patients between the two groups after treatment and the recurrence rate of cardiocerebrovascular events was followed up 6 months after treatment. After treatment, PAG, salicylic acid concentration, TXB2, COX-2, FPG, 2h PG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, TC, TG and the total scores of TCM symptoms were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), and 6-keto-PGF1αand HDL-C were increased as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). In comparison with the control group, the aforementioned indexes in the observation group were all improved significantly (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 91.2% (31/34) in the observation group, higher than 70.6% (24/34) in the control group (P<0.05). In follow up visit, the recurrence rate of cardiocerebrovascular events was 14.7% (5/34) in the observation group, lower than 29.4% (10/34) in the control group (P<0.05). The therapies were safe and had no obvious adverse reactions in both two groups. Acupuncture for regulating spleen and stomach combined with aspirin enteric-coated tablets relieve insulin resistance and reduces blood glucose and lipid as well as the recurrence rate of cardiocerebrovascular events in the patients with T2DM, which is probably related to the regulation of insulin resistance and the improvement of vascular endothelial function. This combined therapy achieves the better effect on aspirin resistance as compared with simple aspirin enteric-coated tablets.

Effect of Danqi Buxin Decoction on Chronic Function Indexes and Life Quality in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure of Yang Deficiency Type.

Objective The purpose was to explore the clinical effect of Danqi Buxin decoction on chronic heart failure (CHF) with yang deficiency and its effect on cardiac function and life quality of patients. Methods 106 CHF patients with yang deficiency treated in Jinan Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2019 to February 2020 were selected as the research objects and divided into the treatment group and reference group according to the odd and even admission numbers, with 53 cases in each group. The reference group was treated with routine antiheart failure drugs, while the treatment group was additionally treated with Danqi Buxin decoction to compare the clinical effect and cardiac function changes between the two groups. Results The clinical effective rate in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the reference group (P < 0.05). The TCM symptom scores at T1, T2, and T3 in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the reference group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the LVEDV levels in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, while the BNP levels were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.001). The LVEDV level in the treatment group after treatment was higher than that in the reference group, while the BNP level in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the reference group (P < 0.001). The life quality scores in the treatment group after treatment were significantly higher than those in the reference group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Danqi Buxin decoction on the basis of conventional drugs can significantly improve the cardiac function and life quality of CHF patients with yang deficiency type. Its further research is helpful to establish a good treatment plan for CHF patients.

Integrated traditional Chinese and conventional medicine in the treatment of anemia due to lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundErythropoiesis and iron homeostasis are closely related; anemia due to lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remains difficult to treat. In the last decade, we have been committed to improving the regulation of iron metabolism using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Previous studies have found that the TCM Yi Gong San (YGS) can reduce the expression of transferrin by inhibiting hepcidin overexpression caused by inflammation, promote the outward transfer of intracellular iron, and improve the symptoms of anemia. Here, our study aimed to compare the efficacy of a conventional drug with YGS with that of conventional medicine with placebo to provide a scientific basis for making clinical decisions.MethodsA prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of conventional medicine combined with YGS with that of conventional medicine alone in the treatment of MDS. A total of 60 patients would be enrolled in this study, with each treatment group (conventional medicine + YGS and conventional medicine + placebo) comprising 30 patients. Oral medication would be administered twice daily for 3 months. All patients would be followed up throughout the 3-month period. The primary outcome was measured by assessing blood hemoglobin level. The secondary outcome was measured by assessing TCM symptom score, iron metabolism, hepcidin levels, and inflammatory factors.DiscussionThis trial would aim to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of YGS in the treatment of lower-risk MDS anemia, as well as its impact on inflammatory factors and iron metabolism in patients with lower-risk MDS.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/) ChiCTR1900026774. Registered on October 21, 2019.

Clinical observation on different needling depth for dyspepsia after ischemic stroke

To observe the efficacy difference between conventional needling depth and deep needling for dyspepsia after ischemic stroke. A total of 120 patients with dyspepsia after ischemic stroke were randomized into an observation group (60 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (60 cases, 3 cases dropped off). Basic treatment was given in the both groups. In the observation group, deep needling was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25) and Liangmen (ST 21) for 60-70 mm, after even reinforcing-reducing manipulation of lifting-thrusting technique, the needles were withdrew to 35-50 mm. In the control group, the same acupoints as the observation group were selected and punctured for 25 mm. The needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, 6 times a week for 2 weeks in the both groups. The dyspepsia TCM symptom score was observed before treatment, 1 day and 1, 2 weeks into treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated 2 weeks into treatment in the both groups. The effective rate was 92.9% (52/56) in the observation group, which was superior to 78.9% (45/57) in the control group (P<0.01). Compared before treatment, the total scores and sub-item scores of dyspepsia TCM symptom of 1, 2 weeks into treatment were decreased in the both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total scores and abdominal fullness scores of dyspepsia TCM symptom of each time point into treatment and hiccup score of 2 weeks into treatment in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total scores of dyspepsia TCM symptom 1, 2 weeks into treatment in the mild patients and each time point into treatment in the moderate patients of the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). Conventional needling depth and deep needling can both improve the clinical symptoms in patients with dyspepsia after ischemic stroke, and deep needling has faster and better efficacy.

Efficacy and Safety of Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla) in Women With Blood Deficient Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Equus asinus L [Equidae; Asini Corii Colla] (donkey-hide gelatin, Ejiao), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to nourish the blood, especially for women. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Ejiao in blood-deficient patients. A total of 210 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into the placebo control group and Ejiao-treated group (6 g/day). The primary outcomes on the efficacy of Ejiao included traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, blood indicators, and SF-36. The secondary outcomes were changes in fireness and safety evaluation. Results showed that Ejiao treatment for 8 weeks had significantly improved dizziness symptoms. Among the tested 24 blood biochemical parameters, the hematocrit and red blood cell numbers decreased in the placebo control group, but decreased significantly less in the Ejiao treatment group. The white blood cell and neutrophil counts increased in the Ejiao group but were within the normal range. In addition, the quality of life improved as the scores in SF-36 domains were significantly higher in the Ejiao group. At the same time, there was no significant change in the fire–heat symptoms score or other safety parameters. Considering all these, our study showed that Ejiao has a promising effect in women suffering from blood deficiency without obvious adverse effects.

The Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinlida Granules on Glycemic Variability in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of Jinlida granules on glycemic variability with or without metformin treatment in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. This study was a 16-week, double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The enrolled patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into four groups: control, Jinlida, metformin, and combination treatment groups. A retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system was used for subcutaneous interstitial glucose monitoring for 3 days consecutively. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, and CGM parameters, including glucose coefficient of variation, standard deviation of blood glucose values, and time in range of glucose 3.9–10.0 mmol/L, were assessed pre-test and post-test. A total of 138 participants completed the entire procedure. Compared with the pre-test, fasting plasma glucose, 2 hour postprandial plasma glucose, HbA1c, and traditional Chinese medicine symptom score all decreased in the four groups at the end of the test, and the combination treatment group showed the most significant decrease. In terms of CGM parameters, time in range of the Jinlida and metformin groups improved after intervention compared with the baseline (Jinlida group: 78.68 ± 26.15 versus 55.47 ± 33.29; metformin group: 87.29 ± 12.21 vs. 75.44 ± 25.42; P < 0.01). Additionally, only the Jinlida group showed decreased glucose standard deviation after intervention (1.57 ± 0.61 vs. 1.96 ± 0.95; P < 0.01). Jinlida granules can improve glycemic control and glycemic variability in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR-IOR-16009296.

The Effect of Sayeok-san for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of &lt;i&gt;Sayeok-san&lt;/i&gt; for treating insomnia.Methods: We conducted a search using keywords, such as “Sayeoksan", “Si-ni-san", and “insomnia" in eight databases (CNKI, Wanfang, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, NDSL, OASIS, RISS) on July 17, 2012. There was no limit placed on the publication period of the papers, and we used Cochrane’s risk of bias tool to assess their quality. Meta-analysis was classified according to the outcome measurements, such as total effective rate and PSQI.Results: Nine RCTs were selected. Meta-analysis showed that the treatment group, which used &lt;i&gt;Sayeok-san&lt;/i&gt;, had a higher total effective rate than did the control group that used only Western medicine. The treatment group also had a lower average of PSQI and TSS (TCM symptom score) than did the control group.Conclusion: This study suggests that &lt;i&gt;Sayeok-san&lt;/i&gt; is effective in treating insomnia. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to unknown or high risk of bias of the included trials.

Clinical Analysis of Dispelling Wind, Eliminating Lung and Relieving Cough Combined with Western Medicine in the Treatment of Cough Variant Asthma in Children

Objective: This study mainly explores the clinical effect of dispelling wind, eliminating lung and relieving cough combined with western medicine in the treatment of cough variant asthma. Methods: 80 children with cough variant asthma accepted by our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were randomly selected for the study and divided into two groups. One group was the reference group (40 cases) treated with procaterol hydrochloride tablets and montelukast sodium, and the other group was the research group (40 cases). The method of eliminating wind, eliminating lung and relieving cough was combined with procaterol hydrochloride tablets and montelukast sodium to observe and compare the curative effects of the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in TCM symptom score and eosinophil (EOS) count between the two groups before treatment (P &gt; 0.05); After treatment, the TCM symptom scores of coughs, pharyngeal itching, expectoration, nasal congestion and nasal itching in the research group were lower than those in the reference group, and the EOS count was lower than that in the reference group (P &lt; 0.05); The effective rate of research group was higher than that of reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: For children with cough variant asthma, Qufeng Sufei cough relieving method combined with procaterol hydrochloride and montelukast sodium can improve children’s symptoms and reduce eosinophil count.

Acupuncture at xing-spring point, shu-stream point and lower he-sea point for type-2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy

To observe the effect of acupuncture at xing-spring point, shu-stream point and lower he-sea point on neurological function and clinical symptoms in patients with type-2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Sixty patients with type-2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. Both groups were treated with basic treatment, and the observation group was additionally treated with acupuncture at Neiting (ST 44), Xiangu (ST 43), Dadu (SP 2), Taibai (SP 3), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The changes of TCM symptom score, Toronto clinical assessment (TCSS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain and serum tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) level were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical effects of the two groups were evaluated. Compared before treatment, the TCM syndrome score and the TCSS score in the two groups were reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and the TCM syndrome score after treatment in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS in the observation group was reduced (P<0.05), and the VAS score of pain in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the level of serum TNF-α within and between the two groups (P>0.05). The total effective rate was 76.7% (23/30) in the observation group, which was superior to 33.3% (10/30) in the control group (P<0.05). Acupuncture at xing-spring point, shu-stream point and lower he-sea point could effectively improve the neurological function and clinical symptoms in patients with type-2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Efficacy and Safety of Qinghao Biejia Decoction in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Qinghao Biejia decoction combined with conventional chemical medicine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to provide reference for clinical medication.Methods: Multiple databases were retrieved by computer for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treating SLE with Qinghao Biejia decoction combining chemical medicine, from the establishment of the database to January 2021. Study screening, data collection, and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. RevMan 5.4 and Stata 15.1 software were used for Meta-analysis.Results: Nine eligible studies, involving 655 SLE participants, were included. Meta-analysis showed that the additional use of Qinghao Biejia decoction superior to chemical medicine alone in people with SLE in improving the overall response rate (RR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.19, 1.41], p < 0.00001, heterogeneity p = 0.61, I 2 = 0%), and can decrease SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and TCM symptom scores, improve immunological indexes (C3, C4, IgG, IgA, IFN-γ, IL-4, Th1/Th2), reduce the occurrence of adverse events in treatment (P ≤ 0.05).Conclusion: Based on this meta-analysis, the additional use of Qinghao Biejia decoction has more advantages in the treatment of SLE than conventional chemical medication alone, which could enhance the efficacy and reduce adverse reactions, and is worthy of clinical promotion. However, more and higher quality RCTs are still need to confirm our findings.

Analysis of clinical research outcome indicators of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of diabetic foot

To analyze the outcome indicators from the randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment for diabetic foot, and to lay a foundation for the establishment of the core index set of the clinical trials on TCM treatment of diabetic foot. Computer retrieval of RCTs on TCM treatment of diabetic foot was performed in CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase and Web of Science databases. Literature screening and data extraction were conducted independently by two researchers in strict accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Any difference was resolved through discussion. A total of 72 RCTs involving 5 791 patients were included and 204 indicators were used. The number of indicators used in a single study was 2-22, with an average of 3 indicators used for each RCT. The indicators with top 16 frequency were clinical total effective rate, ankle brachial index(ABI), ulcer area, TCM syndrome integral, fibrinogen(FIB), fasting blood glucose(FBG), plasma viscosity(PV), c-reactive protein(CRP), saccharification blood of eggs(HbAlc), 2 h postprandial blood glucose(2 hPG), wound healing time, triglyce-rides(TC), TCM efficacy for syndromes, total cholesterol(TG), percutaneous oxygen partial pressure(TCPO2) and TCM symptom scores. The difference in selection of RCT indicators was large among TCM treatment methods for diabetic foot, and the combination of outcome indicators was arbitrary. The description on indexes was not standardized. Some non-laboratory examination indicators, some indicators not recommended in guidelines or not recognized in clinical practice, and some self-made indicators were not explained in detail. There was a lack of standardized evaluation criteria for indicators. The indicators had large time-point difference in measurement, and the time points were not distinguished in the measurement for diabetic foot patients with different degrees of severity. In addition, the patients with long course of treatment weren't timely measured. The characteristics of TCM or significant endpoint indicators were insufficient. It was urgent to establish the core index set of TCM in treating diabetic foot.