Clinical Scorecard: Evaluation of the Clinical Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Conjunction with Anti-TNF Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis Associated with Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Acupuncture combined with TNF-α inhibitors reduced colectomy rates (7.14% vs. 20.8%)
• Clinical remission rate was higher in the acupuncture group (19.1% vs. 8.3%)
• Mucosal healing rate improved significantly in the acupuncture group (38.1% vs. 20.8%)
• No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group
• Adverse event incidence was similar between both groups (30.9% vs. 29.2%)

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis based on TCM syndrome differentiation and Western medical diagnosis

Management

• Use of acupuncture in conjunction with TNF-α inhibitors for treatment

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Assess Mayo scores and TCM syndrome scores at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment

Risks

• Consider risks associated with anti-TNF therapy, including infections and infusion reactions

Patient & Prescribing Data

90 patients diagnosed with spleen and kidney yang deficiency type UC

Acupuncture may enhance the effectiveness of TNF-α inhibitors in this patient population

Clinical Best Practices

• Follow TCM principles for treating spleen-kidney yang deficiency
• Monitor clinical symptoms and mucosal healing rates regularly
• Consider acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for refractory UC

Related Resources & Content

• Expert Consensus on TCM Diagnosis and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis (2023)
• Expert Consensus on TCM Diagnosis and Treatment of Spleen Deficiency Syndrome (2023)