Objective: To discuss the clinical effect of modified therapy of Zhuye Shigao Tang combined with Qingqi Huatan pills in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at acute exacerbation stage (AECOPD) with syndrome of phlegm-heat obstructing lung and investigate its effect on levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)

copeptin (CPP)

serum amyloid A (SAA)

nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and procalcitonin (PCT). Method: One hundred and sixty-six AECOPD patients were randomly divided into control group (83 cases) and observation group (83 cases) by random number table. Patients in control group took oxygen therapy by referring to the guide. Received ceftezole sodium injection by intravenous infusion

2 g/time

2 times/day by oral administration. Prednisolone tablets

10 mg/time

3 times/day. And ipratropium bromide aerosol

3-4 times/day

2 sprays/time. Based on the treatment in control group

the patients in observation group also received modified therapy of Zhuye Shigao Tang combined with Qingqi Huatan pills. The treatment course was 14 days for both groups. The main outcome measures were COPD patients self-assessment test questionnaire (CAT)

modified version of the British Medical Research Council's Respiratory Questionnaire (mMRC)

and scores of phlegm-heat obstructing lung syndrome. The secondary indicators were arterial blood gas analysis [blood oxygen (PaO2)

carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2)

oxygen saturation (SaO2) and pH value] and pulmonary function [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and 1 second forced expiratory volume in percent predicted (FEV1%)]. In addition

the levels of hs-CRP

CPP

SAA

NF-κB and PCT were detected. All of the above indicators were detected once before and after treatment. Result: The total clinical effective rate was 94.87% in observation group

higher than 83.54% in control group (χ2=4.721

P<0.05). After treatment

scores of CAT

mMRC and syndrome of phlegm-heat obstructing lung in observation group were all lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Levels of PaCO2，hs-CRP

CPP

SAA

NF-κB and PCT were lower than control group. And the levels of PaO2

SaO2

FEV1 and FEV1% were higher than those in control group (P<0.01)

but there was no statistically significant difference in pH value between two groups. Conclusion: Based on the basic western medicine treatment

modified therapy of Zhuye Shigao Tang combined with Qingqi Huatan pills can control the symptoms and infection

ameliorate pulmonary function

reduce inflammation

and improve the clinical efficacy in patients with AECOPD and syndrome of phlegm-heat obstructing lung.