Effect of ultrasound-guided acupotomy vs electro-acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis:a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of acupotomy on knee osteoarthritis(KOA),compared to electro-acupuncture(EA).METHODS:Sixty KOA patients were randomly divided into 2 groups:ultrasound-guided acupotomy group and EA group;each had 3 weeks' therapy.After the treatment,by contrast before and after therapy,by comparing curative effects among groups,we looked into disease improvement degree through activities of daily living score(ADL),hospital for special surgery index(HSS),visual analogue scales score(VAS) and knee joint's infrared thermal imaging detection.RESULTS:Graded by ADL,the excellent rate in acupotomy group was much higher than EA group;both acupotomy group and EA group had obviouschanges in HSS index before and after the therapy(P < 0.01).And there was remarkable difference in HSS index variation between the groups(P < 0.01).Acupotomy group and EA group showed big difference in pain index before and after treatment(P <0.01).Apparent difference also existed in the comparison among groups(P < 0.01).Both acupotomy group and EA group had apparent changes in infrared thermal imaging detection before and after the treatment(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:Acupotomy and EA both have significant effects in KOA treatment;the former is better than the latter in relieving pain and improving knee functions.

Effects of Feiwei granules in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis:a randomized and placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:To document the therapeutic effect of Feiwei granules(FGs) for idiopathic pulmonary fi brosis(IPF).METHODS:One hundred cases with IPF were randomized into the treatment group(80) and control group(20).Both groups were given basic treatment with prednisone.The treatment group was given FGs,and the control group was given Jinshuibao capsules(JCs).Treatment lasted for 6 months.The Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale(MRCDS),the Saint George's Hospital Respiratory Questionnaire(SGHRQ),pulmonary function,the Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Score(TCMSS),6-min walking test(6MWT) and blood gas analyses were recorded before the study as well as3 months and 6 months after treatment.RESULTS:FGs showed greater efficacy than the control in certain parameters between before the study and 6 months,and between 3 months and 6months,in the MRCDS,some indicators in the SGHRQ,and the TCMSS.There were no significant differences between the treatment group and control group in the remainder of the indices evaluated.In the treatment group,there were significant differences in before and after treatment in the MRCDS,SGHRQ,TCMSS and 6MWT.CONCLUSION:FGs were similar to JCs for IPF treatment.