Abstract
Background: Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction can be used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but there is scarce literature on using ultrasound combined with electrophysiology to evaluate the efficacy of this traditional Chinese medicine.
Aim: This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu decoction on cold-dampness arthralgia rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by ultrasound and electrophysiological examination.
Methods: A total of 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly divided into two groups, with 32 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional western medicine, and the experimental group was treated with Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction in addition to conventional western medicine. After 4 weeks of treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Creactive protein (CRP), 28 joint disease range of motion score (DAS28), ultrasonic score, and electrophysiological examination results were observed.
Results: There were significant differences in TCM syndrome scores, ESR, CRP, DAS28, and ultrasound scores in the two groups before and after treatment (P<0.05). Compared between the two groups after treatment, there were statistically significant differences in TCM syndrome scores, ESR, CRP, DAS28, and ultrasound scores (P<0.05). The motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), and action potential (AP) of the median nerve and ulnar nerve in the experimental group were significantly increased compared with the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction combined with conventional western medicine has a significant effect on cold-dampness arthralgia rheumatoid arthritis, and ultrasound and electrophysiological examination can be used to evaluate its curative effect.
Keywords: Ultrasound, RA, Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu decoction, Electrophysiology, Treatment, TCM, Motor nerve conduction velocity.
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advancements and Applications of Photon Counting CT: Transforming Imaging Precision and Quantification
Photon Counting Computed Tomography (CT) represents a transformative advancement in medical imaging technology, offering unprecedented levels of precision and diagnostic capability. This special issue will explore the latest innovations and applications of photon counting CT, highlighting its advantages over traditional energy-integrating detectors. The scope includes an in-depth examination of its ...read more
Advancements in Deep Learning based Medical Image and Signal Processing for Healthcare Applications
The accurate predication from medical data (signals and images) analytics will be achieved through the use of cutting-edge AI tools for tailoring medical treatment to each patient. When the agents are done analysing the user's health data, the user can consult with the agents to receive advice and the most ...read more
AI-Driven Diagnostics in Radiology and Medical Imaging
Medical imaging data, such as X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and DXAs, can be analysed by AI algorithms to help healthcare professionals identify and diagnose diseases more rapidly and accurately. Among the most cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare are imaging-related applications like cancer detection. AI could revolutionise ...read more
Applying medical image processing techniques for early cancer detection in mammograms
Breast cancer survival and successful treatment are significantly boosted by early identification. Breast cancer screening is most commonly accomplished with mammography. The radiologist's experience and the image quality, among several other factors, might affect how well a mammogram is interpreted. Enhancing mammography analysis and increasing cancer early detection are made ...read more
1