Data mining in Xu Runsan’s Traditional Chinese Medicine practice:treatment of chronic pelvic pain caused by pelvic inflammatory disease

OBJECTIVE:To research the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)practice of Professor Xu Runsan for treatment of chronic pelvic pain(CPP)caused by sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease(SPID)by data mining.METHODS:The medical records of inpatients at China-Japan Friendship Hospital confirmed to have CPP caused by SPID were collected(274 visits in total).The data extracted from the medical records were analyzed by frequency statistics,correlation analyses,cluster analyses,and complex network analyses.RESULTS:The most frequently used medicines were warm medicines,bitter medicines,and medicines distributed to the liver meridian.The most common medicinal combinations were Chishao(Radix Paeoniae Rubra)plus Huangqi(Radix Astragali Mongolici)plus Sanqi(Radix Notoginseng)and Ezhu(Rhizoma Curcumae Phaeocoulis);Guizhi(Ramulus Cinnamomi)plus Fuling(Poria)and Chishao(Radix Poeoniae Rubra);and Chaihu(Radix Bupleuri Chinensis)plus Zhishi(Fructus Aurantii Immaturus)and Gancao(Radix Glycyrrhizae).The most frequently used medicines were divided into four groups according to their efficacy;i.e.,medicines that could(a)warm meridians and free collateral vessels,(b)regulate Qi and free collateral vessels,(c)fortify the spleen and nourish blood and Qi,and(d)tonify Qi and activate blood.The most commonly used formulations were Guizhi FulingPill and Sini Powder.The core medicines extracted based on complex network analyses were Chishao(Radix Poeoniae Rubra),Sanqi(Radix Notoginseng),Hua ngqi(Radix Astragali Mongolica),Danshen(Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae),Ezhu(Rhizoma Curcumae Phaeocaulis), Gancao(Radix Glycyrrhizae),Chaihu(Radix Bupleuri Chinensis),Guizhi(Romulus Cinnomomi),Shuizhi(Hirudo), Fuling(Poria),and Zhishi(Fructus Aurantii Immaturus).CONCLUSION:According to the TCM practice of Professor Xui,treatment of CPP caused by SPID should focus on dissolving stasis and obstructions using medicines that can activate blood,resolve stasis,regulate Qi,and dissipate adhesions.His prescriptions are often based on Guizhi Fuling Pill and Sini Powder.More blood-activating,stasis-resolving,or tonifying medicines could be used according to the accompanying symptoms or symptom patterns identified.