RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To discuss the TCM pattern classification and measurable diagnosis criterion of the protracted symptoms of heroin-addiction abstinence (PSHAA). METHODS: Through literature review and clinical study, the concept of TCM patterns and diagnostic standard were established, and a TCM pattern scale for quantitatively analysis of PSHAA was formulated. The scale were used on the clinical investigation on the abuser for 5 times on day 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 after abstinence. Then the TCM patterns of PSHAA was classified using methods of DME and quantitative diagnosis, to create a corresponding scale of diagnostic indexes referring maximum likelihood method. RESULTS: (1) The TCM patterns of PSHAA commonly seen were Toxin-stasis accumulation (TSA) with Qi-blood insufficiency, TSA with Qi-yin deficiency, TSA with Yin-deficiency and Fire-excess and TSA with Yin-Yang deficiency. (2) The retrospective and prospective verification of the scale of diagnostic indexes showed it has high sensitivity and speciality, with low rates of misdiagnosis and of missed diagnosis. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to develop measurable diagnosis on the TCM patterns of PASAA using DME method and measurable diagnostic methods. The scale of diagnostic indexes formulated with the maximum likelihood method of quantified diagnosis has a certain clinical practicability.