1.Comparison of Efficacy and Mechanism in Warming Yang and Dispersing Cold of Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata Processed by ZHANG Zhongjing's Method and Pharmacopoeia Method
Mingjie JIAO ; Qian CHEN ; Shuyu YAN ; Yiyan SONG ; Jia ZHANG ; Fei LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):207-217
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of decoctions from four kinds of processed products of Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata(ARLP) in deficiency-cold syndrome. MethodsA total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Shengfupian(SFP) group, Paofuzi(PFZ) group, Heishunpian(HSP) group and Paofupian(PFP) group with 6 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats in other groups were administered hydrocortisone sodium succinate via intramuscular injection to induce a cold deficiency syndrome model. After 14 consecutive days, each ARLP decoction pieces was administered via continuous gastric lavage at a dose of 12 g·kg-1·d-1 for 7 d, while the control and model groups received an equivalent volume of physiological saline. After the end of administration, body weight, spleen weight and thymus weight were measured for calculating the spleen and thymus indexes. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of adrenal tissue. The fully automatic biochemistry analyzer was used to measure the total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) and lactate(LAC) levels in serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the contents of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid(17-OHCS), cortisol(CORT), triiodothyronine(T3), thyroxine(T4), thyrotropin(TSH), immunoglobulin(Ig) M, IgG, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP). Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of protein kinase A(PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein(CREB), silent information regulator 1(Sirt1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α). And high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the content of major alkaloids, followed by Pearson correlation analysis with pharmacodynamic indicators. ResultsAfter modeling, compare with the control group, the model rats exhibited symptoms such as lethargy and loose stools, mild abnormalities were observed in adrenal tissue structure, and both spleen and thymus indices were significantly reduced(P<0.01). Thyroid, adrenal and immune system functions were suppressed, with decreased serum cAMP level and significantly elevated cGMP level(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the adrenal injury by hydrocortisone sodium succinate were repaired and the spleen index were increased significantly in all four ARLP groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). The thymus index in SFP and PFZ groups were increased significantly(P<0.05). The contents of T3, TSH, 17-OHCS and CORT were increased significantly in SFP and PFZ groups(P<0.05). In addition, the content of IgG in SFP, PFZ and PFP groups were increased significantly(P<0.01), while the content of IgM in PFZ and HSP groups were also increased significantly(P<0.05). Regarding the cyclic nucleotide system, PFZ significantly elevated cAMP level while reducing cGMP level(P<0.05), exhibiting the most pronounced effect among the four decoction pieces. For energy metabolism indicators, PFZ significantly improved abnormal markers including TC, TG, LDH, and LAC(P<0.05). HSP showed marked improvement effects on TG, LDH, and LAC(P<0.05). Both PFZ and SFP significantly elevated the expression levels of PKA, CREB, Sirt1, and PGC-1α proteins(P<0.01). Additionally, the diester alkaloids in ARLP showed a strong positive correlation with TG, IgG, and CORT, a strong negative correlation with LAC, a moderate positive correlation with T4, and moderate negative correlations with cAMP and spleen index. Monomeric alkaloids showed strong positive correlations with TG and IgG, strong negative correlations with LAC, moderate positive correlations with CORT and T4, and moderate negative correlations with cAMP and spleen index. However, the content of water-soluble alkaloids showed strong positive correlations with TC, LDH, 17-OHCS, T3, TSH, and thymus index, moderate positive correlations with cAMP, CORT, T4, and spleen index, and moderate negative correlation with cGMP. ConclusionAmong different processed ARLP decoction pieces, PFZ processed according to ZHANG Zhongjing's method exhibits the most potent warming and cold-dispelling effects. Its pharmacological actions are mediated through regulating the thyroid, adrenal, immune, cyclic nucleotide systems, and material-energy metabolism pathways. Among these, water-soluble alkaloids show strong or moderate correlations with more indicators of deficiency-cold syndrome and exhibit the highest content in PFZ. Therefore, PFZ processed according to ZHANG Zhongjing's method may exert its warming and cold-dispelling effects through water-soluble alkaloids.
2.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
3.Study on the current status of emergency management for severe mental disorders in Shanghai
Xiaolei GE ; Yi ZHU ; Chunmei CHEN ; Youwei ZHU ; Yanli LIU ; Jun CAI ; Weibo ZHANG ; Fei XIE
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):276-281
ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of emergency management for severe mental disorders in Shanghai, and to provide countermeasures and suggestions for the establishment of a sound emergency management system for severe mental disorders and the enhancement of emergency management capability. MethodsA questionnaire survey and qualitative interviews were used to conduct an investigation into the emergency management in 17 district-level mental illness prevention and control institutions in Shanghai, which includes the basic situation of emergency management for severe mental disorders, the construction of emergency response teams and personnel, emergency preparedness drills and training, emergency management plans and rules and regulations, and problems encountered in emergency management. ResultsIn terms of emergency management mechanism and basic situation, resources such as personnel allocation, security funds and green channel were well equipped in each district-level mental illness prevention and control institution in Shanghai. However, the equipment of some hardware facilities was still insufficient to some extent. Therefore, further improvement on the emergency management mechanism for severe mental disorders was needed. With regard to the construction of emergency team and personnel allocation, the majority were those aged between 35‒<45 years old, with a bachelor’s degree, and more than 10 years of working experience. For example, 90.27% staff in district-level mental illness prevention and control institution had a bachelor’s degree or above, which was higher than that among the staff in community-level (73.60%); staff majored in clinical medicine in district-level institution accounted for the proportion at 52.71%, higher than that among the staff in community-level (28.86%); 57.24% staff in district-level institution had an intermediate professional title, higher than that among the staff in community-level (42.28%); and 69.90% staff in district-level institution had more than 10 years of working experience, higher than that among the staff in community-level (43.62%). In the aspect of emergency drills and training, all district-level mental illness prevention and control institutions in Shanghai had a high demand for emergency training, and the weak aspects mainly focused on lack of emergency service protocols, skills of addressing technical challenges, and construction of effectiveness evaluation system. Moreover, the teaching methods were primarily centered on case analysis, simulation drills, interactive discussions, and so forth. Concerning emergency management plans and rules and regulations, all districts in Shanghai had relatively established well-developed systems for emergency response plans, emergency response leadership groups, and emergency response operational task forces for severe mental disorders. About half of the institutions had established other rules and regulations related to emergency management of severe mental disorders in addition to emergency plans. ConclusionShanghai has initially established an emergency management system for severe mental disorders, but it is still fragile in specialized training for emergency management of severe mental disorders, construction of emergency management mechanisms, and the building-up of grassroots emergency teams. Further priorities should include strengthening emergency management training, enhancing the construction of emergency management personnel teams, and gradually establishing a more comprehensive and integrated emergency management mechanism for severe mental disorders.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Kochiae Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Huifang HU ; Liping YANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):247-257
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Kochiae Fructus has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, distribution of production areas, quality specification, taste and efficacy, harvesting time, processing and compatibility taboo, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of related famous classical formulas. According to the investigation, it can be seen that Difuzi was first published in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, and has been used as the official name throughout history. It is also known by other names such as Dimai, Dikui, and Luozhou. The mainstream source of Difuzi in materia medica throughout history is the dried ripe fruit of Kochia scoparia, which is consistent throughout history. In the Han dynasty, it was recorded that Kochiae Fructus was produced in Jingzhou(Hubei province), while modern literature records its distribution throughout the country, so it does not have obvious geoherbalism. The harvesting period of Kochiae Fructus is mostly in the late autumn, and the quality is best when it is full, gray green in color, and no impurities. There are two processing methods for its origin:from the Southern and Northern dynasties to the Ming dynasty, it was dried in the shade, and after the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was dried in the sun. There are few records about the processing of Kochiae Fructus, and its clinical application is mostly based on raw products as medicine. The seedlings are harvested in February of the lunar calendar, and the leaves are taken in April and May, processing in the place of origin is shade drying, the processing methods include burning ash and frying frost, pounding juice and wine soaking. For internal use, it is mostly decocted or mashed, while for external use, it is mostly washed with decoction or taken in a soup bath. Throughout history, it has been recorded that Kochiae Fructus is bitter and cold, and is mainly used for treating bladder fever. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, most of the literature classified it as damp-clearing medicine. Since the 1985 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it has been recorded that Kochiae Fructus has a pungent and bitter taste, and a cold nature. Returning to the kidney and bladder meridians with functions of clearing heat and dampness, dispelling wind and relieving itching. The clinical contraindications are mainly prohibited for those with deficiency and no dampness and heat. Throughout history, it has been recorded that the taste of the seedlings and leaves is bitter and cold for treatment of dysentery. Since modern times, it has been used to regulate the liver, spleen and large intestine meridians, with functions such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and diuresis. Based on the textual research, it is recommended to use the dried ripe fruit of K. scoparia when developing the famous classical formulas containing Kochiae Fructus, and processing shall be carried out according to the original processing requirements. If the original formula does not specify the processing requirements, the raw products is taken into medicine.
5.Association of Kidd blood group distribution and genotypes specificity with the risk of coronary heart disease
Fei LI ; Jin QIU ; Huijun LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Tiesuo ZHAO ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):803-810
Objective: To investigate the distribution characteristics of Kidd blood group antigens, phenotypes and genotypes in Xinjiang and their influence on the risk of coronary heart disease. Methods: Samples from 7 981 patients treated at People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024 were collected for Jk(a-b-) phenotype screening via urea hemolysis test, followed by the third-generation sequencing (TGS). Kidd blood group Jk
and Jk
antigens in 1 081 patients with coronary heart disease and 1 021 healthy people were detected, and their phenotype frequency distribution was analyzed and corresponding gene frequencies were calculated. Correlation analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate the influence of Kidd blood group antigen expression on coronary heart disease risk. Results: Two Jk(a-b-) phenotype samples were detected, both resulting from novel gene mutation combinations. Comparative analysis of two groups revealed a higher proportion of the Jk(a-b+) phenotype in the case group (22.5%, 243/1 081) than in the control group (18.5%, 189/1 021). Moreover, Kidd blood group phenotype distribution varied significantly across all ethnic groups in the case group (P<0.05). In the control group, the Hui ethnic group exhibited the highest JK
JK
genotype frequency 64.15% (34/53). In the case group, the highest JK
allele frequency was observed in Mongol ethnic group 56.31% (125/222), and the lowest in Han patients 45.71% (341/746). The expression of Jk
antigen was negatively correlated with coronary heart disease (P<0.05). Conclusion: The distribution of Kidd blood group system varied across ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The expression of Jk
antigen may have protective effect on coronary heart disease, which provides a basis for future clinical blood transfusion treatment and the mechanism study of the correlation between Kidd blood group and coronary heart disease.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Cnidii Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Huifang HU ; Liping YANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):243-253
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Cnidii Fructus has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, distribution of production areas, quality specification, nature and flavour, efficacy, harvesting and processing, compatibility taboo and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of the relevant famous classical formulas. After textual research, it can be verified that Cnidii Fructus was first published in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, the materia medica of all dynasties was named Shechuangzi, and there are also aliases such as Shesu, Shemi, and Qiangmi. The main source for generations was the dried ripe fruit of Cnidium monnieri, and ancient and modern consistent. From the Eastern Han dynasty to Tang dynasty, the origin of Cnidii Fructus was Zibo, Shandong province. During the Five dynasties, it expanded to Yangzhou in Jiangsu province and Xiangyang in Hubei province, the Song dynasty added Shangqiu in Henan province, and it was considered that Yangzhou, Xiangyang and Shangqiu were its genuine producing areas. It was more widely distributed in Ming and Qing dynasties. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the origin is clearly distributed throughout the country. For its quality evaluation, generally full grain, gray yellow color, strong aroma is the best. The harvesting period in the past dynasties was mostly the fifth lunar month, and the fruit was collected to remove impurities and dry. The mainstream processing in producing area of the past dynasties was net selection of raw products, mixing and steaming with the juice of Rehmanniae Radix and stir-frying were the mainstream processing methods in the past, there were also stir-frying with honey, stir-frying with salt and rice wine, immersing and steaming with rice wine and other methods. In recent times, it has been used in raw products as medicine. Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic recorded Cnidii Fructus was bitter, Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians recorded its acrid for the first time. It was recorded in the Ming dynasty that its nature was warm, acted on the kidney meridian, and had small toxicity. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, most of the literature classified it as a medicine to attack poison, kill insects and relieve itching with the functions of dispelling pathogenic wind and removing dampness, destroying parasites and elieving itching, warming kidney and activating Yang. Clinical contraindications are mainly contraindicated for people with damp-heat from the lower-jiao or kidney heat. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas containing Cnidii Fructus, the source shall be the dried ripe fruit of C. monnieri, and then it shall be processed according to the original formulas. If there is no requirement for processing in the formulas, the raw products can be taken into medicine.
7.Analysis of the incidence and relevant factors of visual acuity abnormalities in preschool children undergoing kindergarten entrance physical examinations in Shannan City, Xizang, 2022
Sangzhu LABA ; Zhuoma QIONG ; Fei YANG ; Zhuoga SUOLANG ; Ruiqi ZHANG ; Jun CHEN ; Hui YIN ; Hong ZHOU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):535-539
ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence and relevant factors of visual acuity abnormalities in preschool children undergoing kindergarten entrance physical examinations in Shannan City, Xizang, in 2022, so as to formulate policies for protecting children’s visual acuity and provide a basis for optimizing the children’s health service system in this region. MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted among the children undergoing kindergarten entrance physical examinations in Shannan City in 2022. A diopter examination was performed for these children, and a questionnaire survey was administered to their caregivers. Additionally, factors affecting children’s visual acuity abnormalities were analyzed using the χ² test and binary logistic regression analysis. ResultsA total of 759 children were included in the analysis, with an incidence rate for visual acuity abnormalities of 11.20%. Univariate analysis showed that statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence rate for visual acuity abnormalities among preschool children in terms of different family monthly income (χ²=17.395, P<0.001), father’s education level (χ²=5.133, P=0.023), postnatal vitamin A and D supplementation (χ²=9.575, P=0.008), and feeding method within the first 6 months after birth (χ²=9.330, P=0.009). Multivariate analysis results indicated that family monthly income <5 000 yuan (OR=2.599, P=0.003), insufficient postnatal vitamin A and D supplementation (OR=1.912, P=0.011), and formula feeding (OR=2.131, P=0.010) were relevant factors for abnormal visual development in children. ConclusionThe incidence of visual acuity abnormalities in preschool children in Shannan City is slightly higher than that previously reported in other regions of Xizang. The occurrence of visual acuity abnormalities in children is related to factors such as family monthly income, postnatal vitamin A and D supplementation, and feeding method within the first 6 months after birth. Future interventions should be strengthened on the promotion and dissemination of knowledge related to eye use, such as improve parental awareness of eye care, promote timely vitamin A and D supplementation and encourage breast feeding for children after birth, more specifically, attentions need to be focused on the visual acuity problems of children from low-income families to safeguard the visual health in preschool children in Shannan City, Xizang.
8.Study on the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of long COVID among previously infected individuals in two communities in Shanghai
Junhong YUE ; Chen CHEN ; Qingqing JIA ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Huiting WANG ; Fei WU ; Yanlu YIN ; Jiajie ZANG ; Yanfei GUO ; Fan WU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):597-605
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of long COVID and to investigate its main influencing factors by examining individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 between March and June 2022 in two communities in Shanghai, to lay the foundation for further research on the mechanism and clinical treatment of long COVID, and to provide the basis for the development of inexpensive, convenient, and feasible prevention and intervention strategies. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 6 410 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey. The incidence and common symptoms of long COVID were analyzed, along with their associations with demographic characteristics, medical history, and behavioral factors. A logistic regression model was used to identify the major factors associated with the development of long COVID symptoms. ResultsThe overall incidence rate of long COVID among the study population was 13.9%. The most commonly reported symptoms included fatigue (65.1%), attention disorders (23.1%), and cough (16.9%). The analysis showed that having underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.580, 95%CI: 2.165‒3.074), a history of allergies (OR=1.418, 95%CI: 1.003‒1.971), current smoking (OR=1.461, 95%CI: 1.013‒2.079), ever smoking (OR=2.462, 95%CI: 1.687‒3.551), a greater number of symptoms during the acute phase [1 symptom (OR=1.778, 95%CI: 1.459‒2.162), 2 symptoms (OR=2.749, 95%CI: 2.209‒3.409), ≥3 symptoms (OR=7.792, 95%CI: 6.333‒9.593)] and aggravated symptoms during the acute phase (OR=1.082, 95%CI: 1.070‒1.094) were factors associated with a higher risk of developing long COVID symptoms. Additionally, individuals who had consumed alcohol in the past year (OR=1.914, 95%CI: 1.344‒2.684) were more prone to objective long COVID symptoms. Among individuals under 50 years of age, females (OR=1.427, 95%CI: 1.052‒1.943) were more likely to develop objective long COVID symptoms. ConclusionThis study has identified the diversity of long COVID symptoms, which involve multiple organs and systems, including fatigue, attention disorders, cough, and joint pain. It has also revealed associations between long COVID and various demographic factors (e.g., age, gender), personal medical history (e.g., underlying chronic diseases, history of allergies), acute-phase characteristics (e.g., number and severity of symptoms), and behavioral factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption). These findings highlight the need for further research and ongoing surveillance of long COVID and may inform the development of more targeted health management strategies for specific populations.
9.Research progress in hydrogels in tissue engineering trachea
Wenxuan CHEN ; Yibo SHAN ; Fei SUN ; Zhiming SHEN ; Yi LU ; Jianwei ZHU ; Lei YUAN ; Hongcan SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1195-1199
In cases where a tracheal injury exceeds half the length of the adult trachea or one-third of the length of the child trachea, it becomes difficult to perform end-to-end anastomosis after tracheal resection due to excessive tension at the anastomosis site. In such cases, tracheal replacement therapy is required. Advances in tissue engineering technology have led to the development of tissue engineering tracheal substitutes, which have promising applications. Hydrogels, which are highly hydrated and possess a good three-dimensional network structure, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, biodegradability, and modifiability, have had wide applications in the field of tissue engineering. This article provides a review of the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and effects of various hydrogels commonly used in tissue engineering trachea in recent years. Additionally, the article discusses and offers prospects for the future application of hydrogels in the field of tissue engineering trachea.
10.Clinical Efficacy of Xiaoji Hufei Formula in Protecting Children with Close Contact Exposure to Influenza: A Multicenter,Prospective, Non-randomized, Parallel, Controlled Trial
Jing WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Tiegang LIU ; Hong WANG ; Yingxin FU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Yingqi XU ; Yanan MA ; Wei WANG ; Jia WANG ; Haipeng CHEN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Liqun WU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):223-230
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaoji Hufei Formula in protecting children with close contact exposure to influenza, and to provide reference and evidence-based support for better clinical prevention and treatment of influenza in children. MethodsA multicenter, prospective, non-randomized, parallel, controlled trial was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 in five hospitals, including Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Confirmed influenza cases and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases were collected, and eligible children with close contact exposure to these cases were recruited in the outpatient clinics. According to whether the enrolled close contacts were willing to take Xiaoji Hufei formula for influenza prevention, they were assigned to the observation group (108 cases) or the control group (108 cases). Follow-up visits were conducted on days 7 and 14 after enrollment. The primary outcomes were the incidence of ILI and the rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza. Secondary outcomes included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score scale for influenza, influenza-related emergency (outpatient) visit rate, influenza hospitalization rate, and time to onset after exposure to influenza cases. ResultsA total of 216 participants were enrolled, with 108 in the observation group and 108 in the control group. Primary outcomes: (1) Incidence of ILI: The incidence was 12.0% (13/108) in the observation group and 23.1% (25/108) in the control group, with the observation group showing a significantly lower incidence (χ2=4.6, P<0.05). (2) Influenza confirmation rate: 3.7% (4/108) in the observation group and 4.6% (5/108) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. Secondary outcomes: (1) TCM symptom score scale: after onset, nasal congestion and runny nose scores differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05), while other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough showed no significant differences. (2) Influenza-related emergency (outpatient) visit rate: 84.6% (11 cases) in the observation group and 96.0% (24 cases) in the control group, with no significant difference. (3) Time to onset after exposure: The median onset time after exposure to index patients was 7 days in the observation group and 4 days in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). ConclusionIn previously healthy children exposed to infectious influenza cases under unprotected conditions, Xiaoji Hufei formula prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of ILI. Xiaoji Hufei Formula can be recommended as a specific preventive prescription for influenza in children.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail