OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Peitu Shengjin Recipe (PSR) on nutritional states and immune functions of stable phase chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

METHODSTotally 62 stable phase COPD patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (30 cases) and the control group (32 cases). All patients inhaled Seretide (50/500 µg), twice per day. Besides, patients in the treatment group additionally received PSR, one dose per day. After three months of treatment, the COPD assessment test (CAT) score, the index of nutritional states [including body mass index (BMI) , thickness of skin fold (TSF), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), serum albumin, serum prealbumin], and immune functions (including IgA, IgM, and IgG) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSBy the end of the treatment, the CAT score decreased more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The improvement of BMI, TSF, MAMC, serum albumin, and serum prealbumin was better in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). IgM and IgG also increased more in the treatment group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in IgA between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAdditionally use of PSR could improve nutritional states and immune functions of stable phase COPD patients to some extent. Meanwhile, it also could improve their health related quality of life.