OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy difference in treatment of acute gouty arthritis between acupuncture combined with infrared irradiation and Indomethachin as well as observe the impacts on liver function.

METHODSOne hundred and sixty cases of gout were randomized into an acupuncture group (80 cases) and an Indomethachin group (80 cases). In acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Quchi (LI 11), Xuehai (SP 10), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Ashi points. Additionally, infrared irradiation was used in the local area. The treatment was given once daily. In Indomethachin group, Indomethachin was taken orally, 25 mg each time, three times per day. The treatment lasted for 5 days in either group. Separately, before and after treatment, pain severity and the levels of blood uric acid (BUA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected. Additionally, the efficacy and the impacts on liver function were assessed.

RESULTSThe curative rate was 52.5% (42/80) in acupuncture group, which was superior to 22.5% (18/80) in Indomethachin group (P < 0.01). In acupuncture group, the analgesia efficacy was better than that in Indomethachin group (P < 0.01) and the effect on reducing BUA and ERS levels was same as that in Indomethachin group (all P > 0.05). After treatment, ALT and AST levels had no changes in acupuncture group, but they increased apparently in Indomethachin group (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture combined with infrared irradiation achieves superior efficacy on acute gouty arthritis as compared with oral medication of Indomethachin and the therapy provides a significant effect on analgesia and does not bring the damage of liver function.