Objective: To discuss the clinical effect of Tongfengshu pian combined with Yibai Tongfeng Cataplasm in treating rheumatic arthritis (dampness-heat blockage syndrome) and the effect on levels of serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β)

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Method: One hundred and fifty patients were randomly divided into control group (75 cases) and observation group (75 cases) according to the sequence of their hospitalization. The patients in control group received etoricoxib tablets

120 mg/day

and Xueshan Jinluohan odynolysis plastics at affected part

3 times/day. Those in the observation group were given the same dose of etoricoxib tablets as control group

Tongfengshu pian

4 tablets/time

3 times/day

and Yibai Tongfeng Cataplasm

1 paste/day. The course of treatment for the two groups lasted for 14 days. Pain was scored by visual analgesia score (VAS). Before and after the treatment

pressing pain

swelling of joint and articular dyskinesia were scored. And levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

C-reactive protein (CRP)

blood uric acid (UA)

IL-1β

TNF-α

MMP-3 and COX-2 were detected. Result: The clinical effect of observation group was superior to that of control group by RIDIT analysis

with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). And at the 3rd

7th and 14th day after the treatment

VAS in observation group was lower than that in control group (P<0.01). Scores of joint pressing pain

swelling

activity obstacle were all lower than those in control group (P<0.01)

and levels of ESR

CRP

UA

IL-1β

TNF-α

MMP-3 and COX-2 were lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Tongfengshu pian combined with Yibai Tongfeng Cataplasm can relieve patients' pain quickly

ameliorate clinical symptoms

and relieve inflammatory response

with obvious short-term effects.