Clinical Report: Associations Between Clinical Outcomes and Immunomicrobiome Changes
Overview
An 8-week standardized Qingpao Chushi Jiedu Fang treatment in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis resulted in significant clinical improvement, including reduced severity scores and changes in oral microbiota and cytokine levels.
Background
Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with limited treatment options, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Current therapies often yield incomplete responses and frequent relapses. Understanding the role of the microbiome and immune interactions in PPP could inform future therapeutic strategies.
DLQI scores declined significantly at weeks 4-8 (p < 0.05).
Pain scores improved at week 6 compared to week 2 (p < 0.05).
Itch scores showed improvement at week 8 (p < 0.05).
Oral microbial diversity shifted significantly after treatment (p < 0.05).
Cytokine levels changed, with IL-1β, IL-4, and IFN-α decreasing and IFN-γ increasing (all p < 0.05).
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate changes in clinical severity in PPP, oral microbiota, and inflammatory cytokines following treatment.
Conclusion
The study indicates that QCF treatment is associated with significant clinical improvement in PPP, along with notable changes in oral microbiota and cytokine profiles.
