ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Qishen Xiaodian Decoction combined with laser acupoint irradiation for treatment of recurrent Hen?ch-Sch?nlein purpura (HSP) in children. Methods Totally 120 cases of children with recurrent HSP were divided into treatment group and control group according to the digital random table method, with 60 cases in each group. The control group was given anti-allergy, hormones, immunosuppressive agents and other conventional treatment for 4 weeks, while the treatment group was treated with Qishen Xiaodian Decoction based on conventional treatment, 1 dose each day, morning and night (age 4–5 take 1/3 dose, age >5–10 take the half dose, and age >10–14 take the whole dose), for 4 weeks. Zusanli, Xuehai, and Sanyinjiao acupoints were under laser vertical irradiation, 12 min for each time, once a day for 2 weeks. The disappearing time of the main symptoms and the total effective rate of the two groups were compared. Peripheral blood contents of Th17 and Treg cells and serum interleukin-17 (IL-17), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) level before and after the treatment were observed. The recurrence rate in 6 months and in 12 months of the two groups were compared. Results The disappearing time of rash, abdominal pain and joint swelling pain and kidney damage of the treatment group were less than those of the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 95％(57/60) in treatment group, significantly higher than control group 80％ (48/60), with statistical significance (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, Th17 cell content, serum IL-17 and TGF-β1 decreased, and Treg cell content increased after treatment of the two groups (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, contents of Th17 cell and serum IL-17 of the treatment group decreased (P<0.01). The recurrence rate was lower than that of the control group in 6 and 12 months after treatment, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion Based on the conventional western medicine treatment, Qishen Xiaodian Decoction combined with laser acupoint irradiation on recurrent HSP in children can quickly relieve symptoms and reduce the recurrence rate.