Effects of Huoxue Qufeng Decoction combined with Tongguan Liquefying Acupoint Penetration therapy on swallowing function and quality of life in patients with ischemic stroke.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of Huoxue Qufeng Decoction combined with Tongguan Liquefying Acupoint Penetration therapy on swallowing function and quality of life in patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: A total of 145 patients with post-stroke dysphagia admitted to Dingxi People's Hospital from January 2019 to May 2022 were selected with 65 patients in the control group and 80 patients in the observation group. The control group received Huoxue Qufeng Decoction alone, while the observation group received additional Tongguan Liquefying Acupoint Penetration therapy. Clinical efficacy, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Water Swallow Test, Swallowing Function Assessment (SSA) score, MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) score, overall incidence of adverse events, and Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) score were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total response rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). After treatment, the SSA score and NIHSS score were statistically lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). The MDADI and SWAL-QOL scores were higher in the observation group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (both P<0.01). The total effective rate reflected by the Water Swallow Test was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (P>0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that age and treatment plan were factors influencing the recovery of swallowing function. Logistic multivariate regression analysis further identified age and treatment plan as independent risk factors affecting patient prognosis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Huoxue Qufeng Decoction combined with Tongguan Liquefying Acupoint Penetration has a significant effect on post-stroke dysphagia, effectively improving swallowing function and enhancing quality of life.