OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy of catgut implantation at back-shu points in treatment of mild perimenopausal depression of kidney, deficiency and liver stagnation syndrome and analyze its essential function on target symptoms.

METHODSForty-five cases were randomized into a catgut implantation group (23 cases) and atid acupuncture group (22 cases). In the catgut implantation group, catguts were implanted at Shenshu (BL 23), Ganshu (BL 18), Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), etc., once every week. In the acupuncture group, the conventional acupuncture was applied to the same acupoints as the catgut implantation group, once every two days. The: treatment of 4 weeks made one session, and continuous 2 sessions were required. The efficacy was evaluated in, 2 sessions. The follow-up started in the 12th week. Before treatment, after treatment and in the follow-up period, Kupperman score and the total score in Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), as well as the factor score were observed in the patients separately.

RESULTSKupperman score, the total HAMD score and the scores in the items of anxiety/somatization, retardation, sleep disorder and cognitive disorder after treatment were all reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). In the follow-up period, the difference in Kupperman was not significant in comparison with that after treatment in the catgut implantation: group (P>0.05). The total HAMD score and sleep disorder were reduced significantly as compared with those after treatment in the catgut implantation group (both P<0.01); in the acupuncture group, Kupperman score, the total HAMD score and sleep disorder were all increased as compared with those after treatment (all P<0.05). In; the catgut implantation group, the total HAMD score was lower than that in the acupuncture group (P<0. 05), and the scores in the items of retardation and sleep disorder were reduced significantly as compared with those in the acupuncture group (both P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe catgut implantation at back-shu points alleviates perimenopasual sympton is in patients of mild perimenopausal depression of kidney deficiency and liver stagnation syndrome. This therapy effectively relieves depressive disorders by regulating the target symptoms such as anxiety/ somatization, retardation, sleep disorder and cognitive' disorder. The long-term efficacy of this therapy is better than the conventional acupuncture.