Evaluation of the Effects of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction on Rheumatoid Arthritis by Ultrasound Combined with Electrophysiological Examination

Background: Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction can be used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but there is scarce literature on using ultrasound combined with electrophysiology to evaluate the efficacy of this traditional Chinese medicine. Aim: This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu decoction on cold-dampness arthralgia rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by ultrasound and electrophysiological examination. Methods: A total of 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly divided into two groups, with 32 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional western medicine, and the experimental group was treated with Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction in addition to conventional western medicine. After 4 weeks of treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Creactive protein (CRP), 28 joint disease range of motion score (DAS28), ultrasonic score, and electrophysiological examination results were observed. Results: There were significant differences in TCM syndrome scores, ESR, CRP, DAS28, and ultrasound scores in the two groups before and after treatment (P<0.05). Compared between the two groups after treatment, there were statistically significant differences in TCM syndrome scores, ESR, CRP, DAS28, and ultrasound scores (P<0.05). The motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), and action potential (AP) of the median nerve and ulnar nerve in the experimental group were significantly increased compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction combined with conventional western medicine has a significant effect on cold-dampness arthralgia rheumatoid arthritis, and ultrasound and electrophysiological examination can be used to evaluate its curative effect.