OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Pai-Neng-Da Capsule (panaxadiol saponins component, PND), a new Chinese patent medicine, on patients with chronic aplastic anemia (CAA) and to explore the optimal therapeutic regimen for CAA.

METHODA total of 36 patients with CAA were enrolled and divided into three groups: the AP group (20 cases, andriol 120 mg/day + PND 240 mg/day), the ACP group (13 cases, andriol 120 mg/day + cyclosporine 3-6 mg kd(-1) day(-1) + PND 240 mg/day), and the PND group (3 cases, PND 240 mg/day). All patients were treated and followed up for 6 months. Peripheral blood counts, renal and hepatic function and Chinese medical (CM) symptoms of patients were assessed and all indices were gathered at the beginning and end of the study.

RESULTIn the AP group, no significant hematologic difference was observed at the end of 6-month treatment comparing with the beginning. In the ACP group, the blood counts were maintained at the same level after the 6-month treatment. In the PND group, trilineage hematologic improvement was displayed at the end of 6-month treatment comparing with the beginning. No significant difference was showed in renal and hepatic function in all patients. All patients' clinical symptom improved according to CM symptom score. The effective rates were 95%, 73% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONPND improved the efficacy and decreased side effects by cutting down the dosage of andriol, and it could also improve patients' clinical symptom and quality of life. PND were effective and safe in the treatment of CAA, it could be used alone or in combination with pharmacological agents such as andriol and cyclosporine.