OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy differences between heat-reinforcing needling and conventional treatment of western medicine on Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) with cold-dampness blocking collaterals syndrome.

METHODSSixty KBD patients of cold-dampness blocking collaterals syndrome were randomly assigned into a heat-reinforcing needling group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In the heat-reinforcing needling group, the heat-reinforcing needling was applied at local painful sites, combined with the acupoints based on the syndrome differentiation and the distal acupoints on the affected meridians. Acupuncture was given 30 min per time, once a day, the treatment of 5 days made 1 session; there was an interval of 2 days between two sessions. In the western medication group, sodium selenite tablets were prescribed for oral administration after meals, 2 tablets each time, once a day; ibuprofen sustained release capsules were prescribed for oral administration, 1 capsule each time, twice a day; vitamin C tablets were prescribed for oral administration, 2 tablets each time, three times a day. Four-week treatment was given in the two groups. The Western Ontaraio and Mcmaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was adopted to assess the involved joints; the safety was assessed in the process of treatment; the efficacy was analyzed, and the follow-up visit was conducted 3 months and 6 months after treatment, respectively.

RESULTSAfter 4-week treatment, the total effective rate was 96.7%(29/30) in the western medication group, which was superior to 90.0% (27/30) in the heat-reinforcing needling group (<0.05). However, the safety in the heat-reinforcing needling group was superior to that in the western medication group (<0.05). The improvements of joint function in 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits in heat-reinforcing needling group were superior to those in western medication group (both<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe heat-reinforcing needling for KBD is safe and effective with less adverse reactions. The short-term effect of heat-reinforcing needling isinferior to western medication, but the long-term efficacy is remarkably superior to western medication.