OBJECTIVETo observe the plasma levels of p-selectin (CD62 P) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in patients with sharp deteriorated chronic renal failure (CRF) of damp-heat syndrome type (DHS), and the curative efficacy of Qingshen Granule (QSG) on the disease.

METHODSSixty cases with sharp deteriorated CRF of DHS were equally randomized to the treated group and the control group, all were treated with conventional Western medical therapy combining with retention enema of Jiedu Xiezhuo No. II; but for patients in the treated group, QSG was given additionally, 1 bag thrice a day by oral intake. The therapeutic course for all was 1 month. Besides, a group of 20 healthy persons was set up for normal control. Plasma levels of CD62 P and ICAM-1 were measured before and after treatment, and were compared with those in the normal control.

RESULTSBoth the total effective rate on disease and on Chinese medicine syndrome in the treated group were 90.0% (27/30), significantly higher than those in the control group, 60.0% (18/30) and 63.3% (19/30), respectively, showing significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of CD62 P and ICAM-1 were obviously higher before treatment as compared to those in the normal control group (P < 0.01), which reduced markedly after treatment in both treated group and control group (P < 0.05), but the changes in the treated group were more significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPatients with sharp deteriorated CRF of DHS show higher plasma levels of CD62 P and ICAM-1 in comparing with the normal control. Treatment of retention enema with QSG in combined with JDXZ No. II could reduce the two indexes more significantly than that using retention enema alone, and the combined therapy could also improve renal function and ameliorate clinical symptoms in patients.