The efficacy of Qingjin Huazhuo Decoction combined with acupuncture therapy on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Qingjin Huazhuo Decoction combined with acupuncture in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 AECOPD patients admitted between October 2023 and February 2025. Patients were divided into a control group (n=40, treated with standard Western medicine) and a study group (n=40, treated with standard therapy plus Qingjin Huazhuo Decoction and acupuncture). Pulmonary function, clinical symptoms, exercise capacity, inflammatory markers, blood gas parameters, and adverse events were compared before and after treatment.

Results: After treatment, both groups showed improvements in pulmonary function indicators (FEV1, FVC, PEF, FEV1/FVC), with the study group showing significantly greater gains (P<0.05). The study group also had greater improvements in mMRC and CAT scores, and longer 6-minute walk distance. Serum IL-6 and CRP levels declined significantly in both groups, with larger reductions observed in the study group (P<0.05). Post-treatment PaCO2 was lower and PaO2 higher in the study group compared to controls (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups.

Conclusion: In this retrospective analysis, Qingjin Huazhuo Decoction combined with acupuncture therapy was associated with improved pulmonary function, exercise capacity, symptom/health status, inflammatory markers, and blood gas parameters in hospitalized patients with AECOPD, with comparable safety to conventional therapy. These findings are hypothesis-generating and should be confirmed in prospective randomized controlled trials.