Meta-Analysis of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine for Severe Pneumonia of Phlegm-Heat Obstructive Lung Pattern

Jingye Liu and Rui Liu

Background and Objective: Severe pneumonia involves significant lung inflammation from pathogens, causing dyspnea, cough, fever and organ damage. The research integrates Chinese-Western medicine, focusing on “phlegm-heat obstructing the lung” to enhance efficacy. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to rigorously assess the clinical efficacy and safety of the integrated approach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating severe pneumonia of phlegm-heat obstructive lung pattern (SPPHOLP). Materials and Methods: Comprehensive literature retrieval of clinical Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on integrated TCM and Western Medicine for SPPHOLP patients was conducted on China Knowledge Network (CNKI), Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang database, PubMed and Web of Science database up to June, 25, 2023. A meta-analysis was conducted employing RevMan 5.4 and Stata18. Results: Twenty-five studies involving 2116 patients (1046 cases in the experimental group and 1070 cases in the control group) were included. The adjunctive TCM regimen significantly improved outcomes in SPPHOLP compared to standard Western medicine treatment. It reduced clinical fever, relieved cough and phlegm congestion, mitigated dyspnea, increased oxygen partial pressure, decreased inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10), improved immune response (CD4⁺ activity) and enhanced lung function (FVC, FEV), with statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The fusion of TCM and Western medicine in the treatment of SPPHOLP substantially improves treatment efficacy, alleviates clinical symptoms, reduces carbon dioxide partial pressure, increases oxygen partial pressure, attenuates various inflammatory reactions and boosts immune function.

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