RESUMO
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of enteral drip infusion with modified Baitouweng Decoction for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC) with damp heat in large intestine at active phase , and to observe its influence on serum levels of inflammatory factors. Methods Sixty patients suffering from mild to moderate UC with damp heat in the large intestine were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 30 cases in each group. The treatment group was given enteral drip infusion with modified Baitouweng Decoction and the control group was given Mesalazine Enemas enema. The medication lasted for 8 continuous weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and intestinal mucosal signs under enteroscopy, and serum levels of inflammatory factors were observed. Therapeutic effect on single TCM syndrome and clinical safety were also evaluated after treatment. Results After treatment, the scores of each TCM syndrome and intestinal mucosal signs under enteroscopy in the treatment group were much improved (P<0.05 compared with those in the control group); serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-β) levels in both groups were decreased, serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were increased (P <0.05 compared with those before treatment), and the effect in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05). Except for the abdominal pain, the treatment group had better effect on relieving diarrhea, anal expansion, tenesmus, mucous stool and bloody purulent stool than the control group, the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). During the medication, no obvious adverse reaction was found in the treatment group, but 4 cases from the control group had anal burning sensation which had no effect on the mediciation. Conclusion Enteral drip infusion with modified Baitouweng Decoction can inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines, reduce the inflammatory response, and promote the healing of intestinal mucosa, which is effective for the treatment of UC with damp heat in large intestine at active phase.