Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Xiao Huoluodan combined with Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang in treating rheumatic arthritis with stagnancy of cold-dampness and investigate its effects on levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)

interleukin-17

27

32 (IL-17

27

32). Method: One hundred and twenty-two patients were randomly divided into western medicine group (61 cases) and combination group (61 cases) by random number table. Another 15 healthy subjects were selected as healthy group. Patients in western medicine group took nimesulide tablet

0.1 g/time

2 times/day; leflunomide capsule

20 mg/time

1 time/day. Based on the treatment in western medicine group

patients in combination group added Xiao Huoluodan combined with Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang

1 dose/day. The treatment course was 3 months for both groups. Before and after treatment

tender joint count

pain

swelling

inhibited bending and stretching

morning stiffness and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) were recorded; scores of stagnancy of cold-dampness were graded; levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

C reactive protein (CRP)

rheumatoid factors (RF)

IL-17

IL-27

IL-32 and TNF-α. Result: After treatment

evaluation criteria for rheumatoid ACR20 was 90.16% in combination group

higher than 68.85% in western medicine group (χ2=8.502

P<0.01). ACR50 and ACR70 in combination group were higher than those in western medicine group

but there were no statistically significant differences between two groups. The total effective rate for traditional Chinese modicine(TCM) symptom was 88.52% in combination group

higher than 67.21% in western medicine group (χ2=8.038

P<0.01). The scores of tender joint count

pain

swelling

inhibited bending and stretching

morning stiffness and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ)

disease activity score in 28 joints(DAS28) scores

and levels of ESR

CRP and RF in combination group were lower than those in western medicine group after treatment (P<0.01). As compared with the healthy group

levels of IL-17

IL-27

IL-32 and TNF-α were higher in case groups before treatment (P<0.01). And after treatment

those levels in combination group were lower than those in western medicine group(P<0.01)

but still higher than those in healthy group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Xiao Huoluodan combined with Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang can ameliorate symptoms

control disease activity

improve clinical efficacy

and down-regulate the levels of IL-17

IL-27

IL-32 and TNF-α in the treatment of rheumatic arthritis with stagnancy of cold-dampness.