Nong XG, et al. – The experts analyzed the effect of moxibustion plus Duhuo Jisheng decoction on serum high sensitive C–reactive protein (hs–CRP), interleukin–1β (IL–1β) and tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF–α) levels in middle–aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Outcomes displayed that moxibustion plus Duhuo Jisheng decoction had a good clinical effect for middle–aged and elderly KOA patients. In this population, this effect might relate to the decreased hs–CRP, IL–1β and TNF–α levels.

Methods

• This study inclided 90 eligible KOA patients.
• Participants were divided into observation group (n=45) and a control group (n=45).
• Cases in the observation group received moxibustion plus oral administration Duhuo Jisheng decoction, while cases in the control group received Duhuo Jisheng decoction.
• The hs–CRP, IL–1 β and TNF–α levels were examined.
• The clinical effect was analyzed.

Results

• The hs–CRP, IL–1 β and TNF–α levels showed no between–group statistical differences (all P>0.05), before treatment.
• After 8 weeks of treatment, the hs–CRP, IL–1β and TNF– α levels all dropped significantly in both groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the treatment group showed more substantial changes than the control group (all P<0.05).
• The total effective rate was 97.8% in the treatment group, versus 86.7% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05).