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Effect of dai-kenchu-to on obstructive bowel disease in children
Toshiki Ohya1, Yoshiko Usui, Shigeki Arii
1Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Medicine 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan. ohya.srg1@tmd.ac.jp
Insights
Dai-kenchu-to (DKT), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, effectively treated 85% of pediatric obstructive bowel disease cases. This herbal remedy demonstrated mild, significant effects with no observed side effects in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Integrative Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obstructive bowel diseases present a significant challenge in pediatric care.
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicines offer potential therapeutic avenues.
- Dai-kenchu-to (DKT) is a well-known herbal formula with a history of use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Dai-kenchu-to (DKT) in treating pediatric patients with various obstructive bowel diseases.
- To assess DKT as a primary treatment strategy for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 46 pediatric patients with diverse obstructive bowel diseases received DKT orally (0.1-0.15 g/kg, 2-3 times daily).
- Conditions included postoperative ileus, post-surgical complications, ano-rectal anomalies, Hirschsprung's disease, functional obstructions, SMA syndrome, and chronic constipation.
- Treatment outcomes and side effects were systematically monitored.
Main Results:
- DKT demonstrated significant clinical improvement in 39 out of 46 patients (85%).
- Effectiveness was observed across various conditions, including chronic constipation and postoperative ileus.
- No adverse side effects were reported during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Dai-kenchu-to (DKT) is a safe and effective option for managing pediatric obstructive bowel diseases.
- DKT can be considered a valuable first-line treatment, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.
- Further investigation into DKT's mechanisms and broader applications is warranted.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, dai-kenchu-to (DKT), on obstructive bowel diseases in children. We have treated 46 pediatric patients with various obstructive bowel diseases with DKT: six patients with postoperative ileus, 12 with large abdominal surgery (including three neonates), one with ano-rectal anomaly, three with Hirschsprung's disease, two with functional bowel obstructions, one with SMA syndrome, and 21 patients with chronic constipation. DKT (0.1-0.15 g/kg) was mixed with 5-10 ml of warm water, and was given orally two to three times a day. DKT was effective for 39 patients (85%) and their clinical symptoms improved. DKT was ineffective in seven patients: two with postoperative ileus, two with Hirschsprung's disease, and three with chronic constipation. DKT had mild but significant effects for various obstructive bowel diseases in children, while no side effects were encountered. Our current strategy for pediatric patients with obstructive bowel disease is to use DKT first and then test its efficacy. If DKT is effective, the regimen is continued. However, in cases where DKT is not effective, we will consider laparotomy or will further investigate the illness.