Clinical Effectiveness Of Combination Of Chinese Traditional Medicine Treatment In Rheumatoid Arthritis Of Retention Of Dampness-Heat In Channel

Objective: To assess clinical effectiveness and adverse effect in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)of retention of dampness-heat in channel with 24-week Chinese traditional medicine , compared western medicine .Methods: Fifty patients, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritic, were randomly allocated into treatment and controlled groups, all medical packing was similar . Patients in treatment group received three kinds of Chinese traditional medicine at the same time , ones in controlled group received three kinds of western medicine , all patients were followed up 24 weeks .Results: The clinical and parameters were improved at the fourth week in treatment groups, the overall response rates were 56% and 80% for treatment and controlled groups respectively, there was no significant difference between the two groups . The overall response rates were 84% and 88% for 12 weeks and 24 weeks respectively in treatment group, compared to 88% and 92% in controlled group, there was no significant difference between the two groups too . The occurrence rates of adverse effect were 12% and 36% for treatment and controlled group respectively, there was significant difference between the two groups .Conclusion: The three kinds of Chinese traditional medicine which were combined to treat rheumatoid arthritis patients were effective and safe.