OBJECTIVETo compare the effects differences for peptic ulcer between acupuncture based on the theory of "the compatibility of the five meridians" inand conventional western medication.

METHODSSixty patients with peptic ulcer of liver-stomach disharmony type (LSDT) and weakness of spleen and stomach type (WSST) were assigned into an observation group and a control group by block randomization according to syndrome differentiation.Finally,28 cases (17 with LSDT and 11 with WSST) in the observation group,29 cases (18 with LSDT and 11 with WSST) in the control group were included.In the observation group,patients with LSDT were treated with acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12),Taichong (LR 3),Xingjian (LR 2),Qimen (LR 14),Zusanli (ST 36),Gongsun (SP 4),Shaofu (HT 8),Jingqu (LU 8),Neiguan (PC 6); those with WSST,at Zhongwan (CV 12),Dadu (SP 2),Taibai (SP 3),Yinlingquan (SP 9),Zusanli (ST 36),Shaofu (HT 8), Taichong (LR 3),Yingu (KI 10),Taixi (KI 3),Taiyuan (LU 9) according to the theory of "the compatibility of the five meridians" in.Reinforcing and reducing were according to syndrome differentiation.The treatment was given once a day with needle retained for 30 min,5 days a week,2 days at interval.In the control group,the conventional triple drugs (omeprazole,amoxicillin and clarithromycin) were prescribed orally for Hp positive patients,and omeprazole for Hp negative patients.All the patients were treated for 4 weeks.The clinical syndrome score,ulcer healing under gastroscope,anti-Hp infection and Hp negative conversion ratio rate were observed in the two groups before and after treatment as well as 1 month after treatment.The total effects were evaluated.

RESULTSThe syndrome scores after treatment and at 1 month ofter treatment decreased in the two groups (all<0.05),while without significant difference between the two groups (both>0.05).The scores within the group between the two syndromes showed no significance in the two groups (both>0.05).The cure rates under gastroscope,anti-Hp infection rates and the total rates had no statistically significant difference between the two groups (all>0.05).The Hp negative conversion ratio was 22.2%(4/18) in the observation group,which was worse than 52.6%(10/19) in the control group (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture based on the theory of "the compatibility of the five meridians" infor peptic ulcer can improve clinical symptoms,ulcer coalescence and anti-Hp infection,which is similar to conventional western medication.While the Hp negative conversion ratio is less than that of conventional western medicine.