[Effects of moxibustion on immune function in children with cerebral palsy]

To compare the effects between moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36) and western medication on immune function in children with cerebral palsy.

A total of 230 children with cerebral palsy were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 115 cases in each one. Patients in the observation group were treated with warm moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36). Patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of pidotimod 10 mL every time. The treatment was given once a day, and 30 days were considered as one session for total 90 days. The changes of T-lymphoctyte subgroups, serum immunoglobulin and development quotient were compared 30 days, 60 days and 90 days into treatment respectively; also the occurrence rate.of disease was observed during 6-month and 12-month follow-up visit.

The T-lymphoctyte subgroups (CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+), serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA) and development quotient were significantly improved 30 days, 60 days and 90 days into treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Regarding the changes of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD4+, IgG, IgA and development quotient, the control group was superior to the observation group 30 days into treatment (all P < 0.05), and the control group was similar to the observation group 60 days into treatment (all P > 0.05), and the observation group was superior to the control group 90 days into treatment (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of CD8+ and IgM before and after treatment in two groups (all P > 0.05). The rate of adverse events was 7.0% (8/115) in the observation group, which was lower than 23.5% (27/115) in the control group (P < 0.01); during 6-month and 12-month follow-up visit, the occurrence rate of disease in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

Moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) can improve immune function of children with cerebral palsy, which is superior to pidotimod.