[Observation on blood flow changes in 34 cases of progressive systemic scleroderma treated with Chinese herbal...

The blood flow change of 34 progressive systemic scleroderma (PSS) patients were examined. The amplitude proved to be lowered markedly than healthy subjects. All patients were treated with the basic prescription of PSS as the principal method, combined with infusion of Mailuoning injection in 500 ml of 5% glucose. The course of treatment lasted three months to one year. The result of treatment showed that the abnormal blood flow of extremities of all patients were improved remarkably. Marked improvement rate and total effective rate were 70.5% and 100% respectively. Significant improvements in clinical and laboratory parameters were observed. It revealed that there was a close relationship between the occurrence and development of PSS and blood circulation. It is assumed that the pathogenic mechanism of PSS is Deficiency of vitality and Excess of pathogenic factor (Stasis of Blood), and the Qi tonifying and Blood activating, hard lump softening and mass dissolving medicinal herbs according to Syndrome Differentiation of TCM should be used.