Efficacy and safety of Dachaihu decoction for sepsis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a critical condition characterized by multi-organ dysfunction (MODS) that presents significant treatment challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly Dachaihu decoction (DCH), has shown potential in addressing sepsis-related complications.

PURPOSE

To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCH in the treatment of sepsis.

METHODS

Eligible septic patients were randomly assigned to either the DCH or control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention course lasted for 3 days. Primary outcomes were 28-day all-cause mortality, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. Secondary outcomes were assessed through various clinical parameters, including: (1) inflammatory markers; (2) liver function indices; (3) renal function markers; (4) gastrointestinal function metrics and (5) coagulation parameters.

RESULTS

70 septic patients were included in the full analysis set. No significant difference in 28-day all-cause mortality was observed between the control and DCH groups (10 (28.6 %) vs. 9 (25.7 %), p = 0.788). However, DCH significantly reduced SOFA score (-3.0 (interquartile range, IQR, -5.5, -2.0) vs. 0.0 (IQR, -3.5, 0.0), p = 0.025), APACHE II score (-4.0 (IQR, -8.0, -2.0) vs. 0.0 (IQR, -2.0, 2.0), p < 0.001), aspartate transaminase (-12.70 (IQR, -76.15, -3.35) vs. 2.40 (IQR, -8.05, 10.55), p = 0.001), total bilirubin (-2.30 (IQR, -7.45, 3.62) vs. 1.80 (IQR, -2.35, 11.25), p = 0.028), acute gastrointestinal injury grade (R¯, 26.04 vs. 44.96, p < 0.001), gastrointestinal dysfunction score (-5.0 (IQR, -6.0, -2.5) vs. -1.0 (IQR, -2.0, 0.5), p < 0.001), serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (-334.5 (IQR, -375.4, -288.8) vs. -34.8 (IQR, -104.2, -34.0), p < 0.001), and increased citrulline levels (6.97 (IQR, 6.76, 7.62) vs. 0.70 (IQR, -1.30, 2.83), p < 0.001), and also inhibiting platelet loss (-2.0 (IQR, -30.5, 45.5) vs. -26.0 (IQR, -65.0, 9.5), p = 0.043). Additionally, DCH demonstrated improvements in inflammation, renal function, and coagulation, with fewer serious adverse events reported in the DCH group (2.44 % vs. 7.32 %, p = 0.305).

CONCLUSION

DCH is both effective and safe in treating septic MODS. Nonetheless, further research is required to refine study designs and enhance outcomes for septic patients.