[Effect of da cheng qi decoction co. on endotoxemia in obstructive jaundice]

The role of da cheng qi decoction co. (DCQDC) in preventing endotoxemia in obstructive jaundice has been investigated. A prospective study was performed on 43 consecutive patients with obstructive jaundice undergoing surgery. 24 patients were given oral DCQDC before operation and were compared with 19 jaundiced control patients and 17 non-jaundiced control patients. The incidence of endotoxemia was reduced in perioperative portal (P less than 0.05) and postoperative systemic (P less than 0.01) blood samples in the DCQDC treated group, and a significant fall of the postoperative 24h creatinine clearance (P less than 0.01) and the plasma fibronectin level (P less than 0.01) occurred in jaundiced controls compared with the DCQDC treated group. DCQDC may reduce endotoxin absorption by a reduction or alteration of gut flora thereby reducing the endotoxin pool available for absorption as well as by a direct effect on endotoxin. Result of this study indicated that DCQDC had a beneficial effect on endotoxemia or outcome in obstructive jaundice.