OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in clinical efficacy on post-stroke sensory disturbance between catgut implantation at scalp reflecting foci and conventional acupuncture as well as the impacts on blood rheology.

METHODSFifty-nine cases of post-stroke sensory disturbance were randomized into a catgut implantation group (30 cases) and an acupuncture group (29 cases). The conventional internal medicine treatment, limb motor function rehabilitation training and sensory function training were applied in the two groups. Additionally, the catgut implantation was used at scalp reflecting foci in the catgut implantation group, once a week, 4 treatment made one session. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5), Hegu (LI 4), Siqiang (EX-LE 24), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Qiuxu (GB 40) and Taichong (LR 3), once every day, 5 times a week, the 4 weeks of treatment made one session. There was an interval of 1 week between the two sessions in the two groups. Totally, 2 sessions of treatment were required. Before and after treatment, the sensory and motor scores, modified barthel index (MBI) and blood rheological indices were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the patients of the two groups.

RESULTSAfter 8 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the catgut implantation group, which was better than 65.5% (19/29) in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). FugI-Meyer motor function, sensory function scores and MBI were all improved as compared with those before treat ment in the two groups (all P < 0.05), and the results in the catgut implantation group was superior to the acu puncture group (all P < 0.05). The levels of whole blood viscosity, erythrocyte hematocrit, platelet aggregation and fibrinogen were improved as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05), and the results in the catgut implantation group was better than those in the acupuncture group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe catgut implantation at scalp reflecting foci achieves a satisfactory clinical efficacy on post-stroke sensory disturbance and improves the blood rheological indices.