OBJECTIVETo verify the clinical efficacy of Xiaochuangao Acupoint Paste (XAP) to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the stable phase.

METHODSBy using a multi-center randomized double-blinded placebo controlled design, 142 patients with COPD were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the treatment group were treated with XAP, while those in the control group were treated with the placebo paste. One therapeutic course consisted of six pastes, three times on dog-days within one year, for two successive years. The SGRQ life quality score, BODE index, yearly average times of common cold and acute attack, times of emergency clinics and hospitalization, the lung function, and so on were observed.

RESULTSThe post-treatment 1- and 2-year SGRQ life quality scores decreased more than before treatment in the two groups. Compared with one year after treatment, the posttreatment 2-year activities and influence of SGRQ life quality score,and the total score decreased significantly in the treatment group (P<0.05). Besides, the decrement was more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The decrement of the BODE index between the post-treatment 2-year and before treatment and between the post-treatment 2-year and the post-treatment 1-year was higher in the treatment group when compared with the control group during the same time periods (P<0.01). The yearly average times of common cold and acute attack were obviously lower 2 years after treatment than those of the control group 2 years after treatment, Besides, they were lower than those before treatment and 1 year after treatment in the treatment group (P<0.05). The yearly average times of emergency clinics and hospitalization were obviously less in the treatment group 2 years after treatment than before treatment of the same group and those of the control group during the same time period (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the lung function between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONXAP showed positive effects on improving the quality of life of patients with COPD in the stable phase, lessening their acute aggravation times, and lowering medical costs.