Objective: To investigate the effect of Shujin Xiaotong capsules combined with ultrashort wave therapy on pain, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level and inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: One hundred and eighteen patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis included in this study were randomly divided into the control group (n=59) and the experimental group (n=59). The patients in the control group were treated with Shujin Xiaotong capsules, and the patients in the experimental group were treated with Shujin Xiaotong capsules combined with ultrashort wave therapy. The knee motion before and after treatment, pain and curative effect were evaluated by the Lysholm Scale, Mc-Gee Scale and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Score, respectively. Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed to observe the blood flow in the synovium of knee joint. Serum inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators were measured using corresponding kits. The quality of life of the patients was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale.
Results: There was no significant difference in the scores of the Lysholm, Mc-Gee and JOA, synovial blood flow signal distribution, levels of hs-CRP, inflammatory cytokines, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide as well as quality of life of patients between the two groups before treatment (all P>0.05). After treatment, the scores of Lysholm, JOA and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF as well as levels of superoxide dismutase in both groups were improved, while the scores of Mc-Gee as well as levels of hs-CRP, inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in both groups were decreased (all P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the proportion of synovial blood flow signal distribution and quality of life of patients in the experimental group were higher, while the levels of hs-CRP, inflammatory cytokines, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were lower (all P<0.05).
Conclusion: Shujin Xiaotong capsules combined with physical ultrashort wave therapy can significantly reduce serum inflammation cytokines and hs-CRP expression and pain, as well as improve serum oxidative stress levels, knee joint function and quality of life in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.
Keywords: Chronic knee osteoarthritis; Shujin Xiaotong capsule; inflammatory cytokines; pain; ultrashort wave.
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