OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of umbilical application with Lunxieting Paste (LXT) for the treatment of infantile rotavirus enteritis (IRE).

METHODSOne hundred and ninety infants with IRE were randomly assigned into three groups, 55 in Group A, 60 in Group B and 75 in Group C. All were treated with conventional therapy, mainly the dehydration and acidosis correcting, rehydration salt and antiviral therapy; but to patients in Groups B and C, an additional medication of Smecta 1.5 g, thrice a day. for infants below 1 year and 3 g, thrice a day. for those between 1-2 years old, by orally taken with 0.05 L of warm water and umbilical application with LXT (one dose per day, containing 6.0 g of crude drug) was given respectively.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 69.1% in Group A, 75% in Group B and 92% in Group C, respectively, showing significant difference (P<0.05) in comparing Group C with Groups A and B. Moreover, serum levels of TNF-alpha were decreased and IFN-gamma increased in Group C after treatment, all showed statistical significance as compared with those in the other two groups (P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed in all patients.

CONCLUSIONUmbilical application of LXT could effectively alleviate the diarrhea symptom in IRE patients, accelerate the negative inversion of rotavirus, and reduce the injury of intestinal membrane, showing a therapeutic efficacy more effective and quicker than that of conventional treatment with more convenience for use.