ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Nie-pinching the spine, puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10) plus Chinese herbs in treating pediatric anorexia due to dysfunction of spleen in transportation. Methods: A total of 64 kids were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method, with 32 cases in each group. Patients in both groups received Jian Pi Kai Wei (strengthening spleen and stomach) powder according to pattern differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In addition, patients in the observation group received Nie-pinching the spine and puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10). Nie-pinching the spine was applied twice a week, and puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10) was performed once a week, with 2 weeks counted as 1 course of treatment. After 2 courses of treatment, the body mass index (BMI), peripheral blood leptin level and the microelements Zn, Fe and Se were compared at different time points (before treatment, after the first and second courses of treatment), as well as the therapeutic efficacy and onset time. Results: After 2 courses of treatment, 31 cases in each group were evaluated. After the 1st course and the 2nd course, the BMI and serum Zn, Fe and Se levels in the observation group increased significantly (all P<0.05), the leptin level decreased substantially (both P<0.05); the BMI in the control group showed a substantial rise (P<0.05), while the Zn, Fe and Se levels slightly increased showing no statistical significance (all P>0.05), and the leptin level decreased but the difference showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). After the 1st and the 2nd courses of treatment, the BMI, serum Zn, Fe and Se levels increased more significantly (all P<0.05), and the serum leptin level decreased more significantly (both P<0.05) in the observation group than in the control group. After the 2nd course, the total effective rate and recovery rate in the observation group were both higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05), together with a quicker onset time (P<0.05). Conclusion: Nie-pinching the spine, puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10) plus Chinese herbs is effective for pediatric anorexia due to dysfunction of spleen in transportation. It can decrease leptin, increase Zn, Fe and Se levels, alleviate apositic symptoms and increase BMI in the kids.