Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment Research Articles

Analysis of Clinical Features and Treatment of Patients Presenting Dyspepsia Related to COVID-19: Retrospective Chart Review

Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients complaining of indigestion after COVID-19 infection (CI) or COVID-19 vaccination (CV) and to confirm the effectiveness and safety of Korean medical treatment.Methods: We retrospectively collected and investigated the medical records of 39 patients admitted to the Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital with a chief complaint of dyspepsia from January 1, 2020 to February 29, 2024 who reported the onset or significant exacerbation of dyspepsia after CV or CI. Patients were divided into vaccination and infection groups, and their demographic characteristics, Ryodoraku results, presenting symptoms, traditional Korean medicine treatments, and treatment outcomes were analyzed.Results: When comparing the groups with dyspepsia after CV and after CI, it was observed that the CI group had significantly lower average body weight, and the measurements of LH6, LF1, and LF6 in the Ryodoraku test were significantly lower. Additionally, compared to the CV group, the CI group showed significantly more abdominal distension, nausea, and abdominal pain. Significant relief of upper gastrointestinal symptoms was observed in both the CV and CI groups after treatment. No adverse reactions were observed during the course of treatment.Conclusion: The CI group tended to complain more severely of various dyspeptic symptoms and had a tendency to lower body weight than the CV group, as was also reflected in the results of the Ryodoraku test. Korean medical treatment can be effective and safe in treating these patients.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for a Patient with Cervical Dystonia

The purpose of this study is to report a case of cervical dystonia and the effects of a series of traditional Korean medicine treatments applied to the patient. The patient was treated with conventional treatment and traditional Korean medicine consisting of acupuncture, moxa, chuna therapy, and herbal medicine (<i>Hoesu-san-gami</i>) for 48 days. Progress was measured by Tsui’s score, the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale, and the Neck Disability Index. We observed some improvements in the patient’s symptoms: Tsui’s score of 15 to 11, TWSTRS of 63.3 to 47.8, and NDI of 24 to 17. These findings indicate that the application of traditional Korean medicine to cervical dystonia can yield decent clinical outcomes.

A Case Report of a Patient with Vascular Dementia Caused by Intracerebral Hemorrhage Treated with Modified <italic>Guibi-tang</italic>

Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the effects of traditional Korean medicine treatment on a patient with vascular dementia caused by an intracerebral hemorrhage.Methods: The patient was treated with herbal medicine (<i>modified Guibi-tang</i>) and acupuncture. The effects of these treatments were evaluated using the Korean Mini Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE-2), Cognitive Dementia Rating (CDR), Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS).Results: After treatment, the K-MMSE-2 score, CDR score, MMT, K-MBI, and VFSS improved.Conclusion: The results suggest that traditional Korean medicine may be effective for the symptoms of vascular dementia caused by intracerebral hemorrhage.

Effect of Complex Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment and Rehabilitation on Acetabular Fracture: A Case Report

Effect of Complex Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment and Rehabilitation on Acetabular Fracture: A Case Report

A Case Report of <italic>Osuyubujaijung-tang</italic> on the Recurrence of Breast Cancer in a Patient Complaining of Coldness and Dizziness

A 63-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with complaints of coldness in the head and right femur, persistent vertigo, dry mouth, vexation, general weakness, anorexia, and hot flashes. After being diagnosed with left-sided ductal carcinoma in 2017 and undergoing partial resection, she was recommended radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, but she refused and did not receive any treatment. At a checkup in November 2022, the left-sided invasive ductal carcinoma recurred. She underwent partial resection and was scheduled to receive radiotherapy two months later. During hospitalization, the patient received traditional Korean medicine treatment, including Korean herbal medicine (<i>Osuyubujaijung-tang</i>), acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping. Subjective symptom changes were evaluated daily. At discharge, the patient’s symptoms improved, and her condition varied with the presence of Aconitum carmichaelii. This study suggests that “<i>Osuyubujaijung-tang</i>” cared the coldness and vertigo caused by “Han-dam (寒痰)” in patients with Soeumin visceral syncope pattern (少陰人 臟厥症) and that A. carmichaelii played a major role in this outcome.

The Review of Domestic Research on Traditional Korean Medicine for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

This study was conducted to examine the current status of traditional korean medicine studies on gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea, identify deficiencies, and suggest the direction of future medicine research methods to lay the foundation for traditional korean medicine treatment. All domestic papers on the korean traditional treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease were selected among the literature published until August 2022 in six domestic databases. A total of 52 selected research data were classified into experimental research papers, clinical research papers, and review papers. In experimental papers, to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, improvement of esophageal mucosal lesions, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, antioxidant mechanisms, esophageal mucosal protection mechanisms, gastric peristalsis control, and gastric acid secretion inhibition mechanisms were used as evaluation measures. In the clinical research paper, the basis for diagnosis of cases was clinical symptoms through medical history listening and diagnosis through visits to hospitals in the past. The average treatment period was 40.7 days, and the duration of treatment was not significantly affected by the duration of the disease. The most widely used Korean medicine treatment intervention was herbal medicine. There were 3 literature review studies, 3 systematic literature review and meta-analysis studies, 1 comparative review study for clinical trial guideline development, all using Chinese papers. This study included all domestic papers on gastroesophageal reflux disease to identify the research trend of the Korean oriental medicine community, and based on this, it is meaningful to confirm areas that need to be supplemented in future research plans.

Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment for Sequelae After Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer Patients: Two Case Reports

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report two cases of breast cancer patients whose side effects after Tamoxifen were treated with traditional Korean medicine.Methods: Two breast cancer patients underwent Tamoxifen after breast-conserving surgery, and both were treated with traditional Korean medicine. Subjective discomfort symptoms were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale. Adverse events were assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Version 5.0.Results: After treatment with traditional Korean medicine, the discomfort symptoms that occurred after Tamoxifen, such as osteoarthritis, hot flushes, and cold sweat, all gradually improved. In addition, no hematologic, hepatic, or renal side effects were observed from the traditional Korean medicine treatment.Conclusion: This case study suggests that traditional Korean medicine may contribute to the improvement of side effects caused by Tamoxifen and enhance the quality of life of patients.

Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Treatments on the Discoid Meniscus of Knee Joint: Two Clinical Cases

Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Treatments on the Discoid Meniscus of Knee Joint: Two Clinical Cases

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Effectiveness of Traditional Korean Medicine for Treating Postoperative Ileus in Gastric Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common impairment of gastrointestinal motility and causes a delay in postoperative recovery, as well as an increased length of hospital stay, but no single strategy has a significant recuperative effect on POI. Studies of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) have reported improvements in bowel function after surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of TKM on postoperative ileus in gastric cancer patients.Methods: We used six databases to search for studies published from January 1, 2007, until May 11, 2022. The included studies were those reporting gastric cancer patients who received TKM treatment after gastrectomy through indicators related to POI.Results: The search identified 27 RCTs that used herbal medicine (Daegeonjung-tang and Gami-leejoongtang), herbal medicine combined with acupuncture (Sama-tang, Gumiseunggi-tang, Daeseunggi-tang, and Insam-tang), acupuncture, acupuncture and moxibustion, electroacupuncture, warm needling, transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA), low-frequency electrical acupoint stimulation (LEAS), moxibustion, auricular acupressure, and ST-36 acupoint injection with neostigmine as treatments for POI. The time to first flatus was shortened by herbal medicine combined with warm needling (Sama-tang, Gumiseunggi-tang, Daeseunggi-tang, and Insam-tang), acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needling, TEA, moxibustion, auricular acupressure, and ST-36 acupoint injection with neostigmine (p<0.00001). The time to the first defecation decreased significantly in response to the herbal medicine combined with warm needling (Sama-tang, Gumiseunggi-tang, Daeseunggi-tang, and Insam-tang), acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needling, TEA, moxibustion, auricular acupressure, and ST-36 acupoint injection with neostigmine (p<0.00001). No serious adverse events occurred.Conclusions: TKM could be a promising option for preventing and resolving POI in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy.

The Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment and Herbal Network Analysis in Postoperative Hip Fracture Inpatients

The Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment and Herbal Network Analysis in Postoperative Hip Fracture Inpatients

Integrative traditional Korean medicine treatment for children with idiopathic short stature: A STROBE-compliant case series.

Integrative traditional Korean medicine (TKM) treatment including herbal medicine and acupuncture has been used frequently by parents in South Korea for the treatment of children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). We aimed to report the TKM treatments currently being used for children with ISS and explore their therapeutic effects. The medical records of children who met the criteria for ISS and who had been treated with TKM for the management of ISS were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 116 patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 8.07 [3.08] years; 52.6% girls) enrolled in the study. Their mean height percentile was 1.45 and body mass index was 16.19 kg/m2. During the study period of 5 years, participants visited the outpatient clinic an average of 2.93 times; the mean number of days to the next visit was 101 days. All patients received herbal medicine treatment, and the formulation was mainly decoction type. Additional treatments including ear acupuncture and moxibustion were also used. After treatment with TKM, the height percentile and standard deviation scores increased in both girls and boys (P < .001 and P < .01, respectively). Additionally, the predicted adult height, estimated based on bone age, increased in girls (P < .05). This study provided preliminary data for future research in TKM use in children with ISS.

무릎 내측측부인대 손상의 한의학적 치료에 대한 국내외 임상연구 동향 분석

Objectives : This study aimed to review clinical studies on traditional Korean medicine treatment for medial collateral ligament injury of the knee.&#x0D; Methods : Clinical studies on Korean traditional medicine treatment of medial collat- eral ligament injury were conducted. We used five Korean online databases (OASIS, KISS, RISS, DBPia, and ScienceOn) and three foreign databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CNKI). Out of 99 studies that were found, we excluded repeated articles, studies that were not related to Korean medicine, and those not relevant to the topic of the study.&#x0D; Results : Ten randomized controlled trials and 20 case studies were selected. Eight traditional Korean medicine treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, chuna, and herbal ointment, were used in these studies. The most commonly used treatment was found to be acupuncture.&#x0D; Conclusions : Our study showed that traditional Korean medicine for medial collateral ligament injuries was effective. However, there were some limitations. Further clin- ical studies and randomized controlled clinical trials are needed for more evidence on Korean traditional medicine.

Adaptation and Dissemination of Korean Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines for Traffic Injuries.

In South Korea, car insurance that includes medical coverage of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) has increased exponentially. Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for traffic injuries were established in 2016. We aimed to revise and update de novo CPG and distribute the adapted CPG to TKM practitioners and patients. Clinical key questions from previous CPG were identified and updated regarding the grade of recommendation and level of evidence using additional evidence from the literature obtained through a systematic search and the use of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. The dissemination and implementation of the updated CPG were conducted at the CPG Center of Korean Medicine. Ultimately, 25 recommendations based on 13 clinical key questions were developed: 2 for diagnosis, 22 for TKM treatments, and 1 for prognosis. After recognition by professional societies and certification by the CPG Center of Korean Medicine, leaflets, card news, and infographics for TKM doctors in South Korea were produced and distributed. These are the only TKM CPG for patients who have experienced traffic injuries. They are expected to contribute to standardized and evidence-based treatment using TKM and similar interventions. Moreover, disseminating the adapted CPG will promote treatment reliability and strengthen insurance coverage.

A Case Report of a Patient Diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis Accompanied by Hyperammonemia from Systemic Inflammation

A 42-year-old male patient with prolonged throat pain and discomfort, dry mouth, and general weakness and recently diagnosed with tonsillitis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thrombosis was admitted to the internal Korean medicine department. A sudden onset of diabetic ketoacidosis with hyperammonemia was diagnosed on the second day of treatment. During admission, the patient received insulin therapy, hydration, and traditional Korean medicine treatment, including herbal medicine. Subjective symptom change was evaluated daily and blood glucose level checked five times per day. At discharge, the patient’s fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels were adequate. After an additional two weeks of herbal treatment, the symptoms were significantly ameliorated. Thus, having been admitted with dysregulated glucose metabolism leading to a hyperglycemic crisis after a series of inflammatory events, the patient showed symptomatic improvements and decreased blood glucose after 18 days of hospitalization and treatment.

Traditional Korean Medicine Usage and Perception: a comparative study between the general population and the disabilities.

ObjectivesThis study is a comparative analysis of the satisfaction and recognition characteristics for traditional Korean medicine (TKM) in people with disabilities and the general population of Korea.MethodsHere, 5,000 subjects were categorized into two groups based on a disability rating using the data from the 2017 National Survey for the Usage of Korean Medicine. The relationships among the sociodemographic characteristics, TKM usage status, recognition of TKM usage, and recognition of the effectiveness of the TKM treatment were analyzed based on the disease. The response reliability was verified using the chi-square test analysis method.ResultsDisabilities corresponded with low rates of high school or higher education (44%, 83.5%) and no jobs (56.9%, 33.5%), mostly the status of the low-income class with a monthly household income of < 1,500 USD (50.9%, 10.5%), poor health conditions (55.2%, 9.8%), high chronic disease prevalence rate (69.0%, 19.9%), high medical care rate (11.2%, 0.5%), and low commercial health insurance subscription rate (44%, 74.2%). Furthermore, people with disabilities visited TKM institutions more often (88.8%, 74.1%) with a high frequency TKM usage rate of ≥ 1-2 times a month (26.2%, 15.3%). They also reported that the cost of using the TKM was very high (14.7%, 8.8%) and that primarily the application of insurance benefits should be improved (52.6%, 47.5%). The treatment effectiveness for diseases was high for musculoskeletal disorders for both people with disabilities and the general population.ConclusionPreferential application of insurance benefits for musculoskeletal diseases must be extended to the TKM treatment as well, as people with disabilities have a high recognition for these conditions with TKM. It is difficult to perform randomized controlled trials on people with disability. Therefore, large-scale observational and cohort studies should be conducted. We hope this study will help establish a suitable TKM policy for people with disabilities.

Three Cases of Cervical Vertigo Improved by Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment

Three Cases of Cervical Vertigo Improved by Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment

Understanding the Current Status of Research on Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment for the People with Disability and Suggestions for Further Research: Scoping Review

Miri Kwon, K.M.D., M.Sc., Jungmin Lee, K.M.D., Ph.D., Doyoung Kang, K.M.D., Hyonjun Jeon, K.M.D., Suna Kim, K.M.D., Mihyun Kim, K.M.D., Shinhee Lee, K.M.D., Hyungsun Jun, K.M.D., Heeseol Kang, Ph.D., Moonjoo Cheong, Ph.D., Jungtae Leem, K.M.D., Ph.D.. J Korean Med Rehabi 2021;32:89-106. https://doi.org/10.18325/jkmr.2022.32.1.89