Efficacy of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu decoction in treating chronic gouty arthritis with wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome
ZHANG Yong-kang,CAO Ye-min,LIANG Zhi-qiang
Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu decoction (GSZD) combined with conventional Western medicine in treating gouty arthritis of the wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome type. Methods A total of 120 patients with gouty arthritis diagnosed as wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned to the treatment group (n=60) and the control group (n=60). The treatment group received oral colchicine, febuxostat, plus GSZD. The control group received oral colchicine, febuxostat, plus a GSZD placebo. Treatment duration was 6-month for both groups. Clinical efficacy was assessed before treatment, at 3-month, and at 6-month (end of treatment). Serum uric acid (SUA), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were measured and compared between the two groups. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were also evaluated. Results At the 3-month and 6-month follow-ups post-treatment, SUA levels in both groups were significantly lower than baseline (P <0.05). Furthermore, SUA levels in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group at both the 3-month and 6-month follow-ups (P <0.01). At the 3-month and 6-month follow-ups, the total clinical effective rate of treatment group was higher than control group, the TCM syndrome scores, the levels of CRP, IL-6, and ESR in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion The combination of GSZD with conventional Western medicine demonstrates favorable clinical efficacy in treating gouty arthritis of the wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome type. This regimen effectively reduces SUA levels, improves TCM syndrome manifestations, and suppresses inflammatory responses.
