ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Qili Qiangxin capsules on the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and cardiac function in patients with silicosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Hospitalized silicosis patients with heart failure were divided into treatment group (41 cases) and control group (30 cases) according to their own will. Both groups received comprehensive symptomatic treatment; in addition, the treatment group received Qili Qiangxin capsules. The treatment lasted 6 months. The observed items included NT-proBNP level, 6-minute walk test, ultrasonic cardiogram, and NYHA classification before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>According to NYHA classification, the response rate was 29.27%in the treatment group and 10.00%in the control group; there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The average walk distance in the treatment group was increased from 150.96±73.12 m before treatment to 169.32±77.04 m after treatment, and the improvement was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The average NT-proBNP level in the treatment group was reduced from 1154.44 ± 480.79 ng/L before treatment to 494.49 ± 342.61 ng/L after treatment, and the reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly improved in the treatment group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Qili Qiangxin capsules in addition to comprehensive symptomatic treatment can significantly reduce NT-proBNP level and improve cardiac function in silicosis patients, and thereby improve patients' quality of life.</p>