Objective Study On TCM Syndrome Types Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Based On Semi-quantitative Joints Ultrasound

Objectives:This study was done to evaluate the correlation between TCM syndrome types and synovial hypertrophy,synovial inflammation degree,bone erosion and other indicators in RA patients by using musculoskeletal ultrasound technology(MSUS),conducting semi-quantitative scoring,so as to provide more Imaging basis for the treatment of RA syndrome differentiation.Methods: we collected 162 inpatients of rheumatoid arthritis in our hospital department of rheumatology.MSUS was apply to detect synovial hyperplasia,degree of synovial inflammation and bone erosion thickness of the damaged joints.Then,we compared the joint ultrasound changes and some laboratory indexes in different TCM syndrome types of rheumatoid arthritis.At last,we performed statistical analysis between rheumatoid arthritis TCM syndrome types distribution and its ultrasonic changes.Results:1.Joint synovial hyperplasia was found in different degrees in wind-cold-dampness syndrome and cold-heat complicated syndrome;Synovial inflammation of joints was obvious and synovial blood flow signal increased in wind-cold-dampness syndrome,cold-heat complicated syndrome,wind-dampness-heat syndrome(P < 0.05).Some of which were accompanied by bone erosions in different degrees.Joint cavity effusion of wind-dampness-heat and cold-heat complicated syndrome was more common than other syndromes;cold-heat complicated syndrome was the most common(P < 0.05).2.Both erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)and C-reactive protein(CRP)in cold-heat complicated and wind-dampness-heat syndrome were significantly increased,and ESR in wind-cold-dampness was more common.The number of joint tenderness and swelling of cold-heat complicated syndrome was higher than other syndromes.Visual Analogue Score(VAS)of cold-heat complicated syndrome and wind-cold-dampness syndrome was higher than that of other syndromes,and the pain degrees was obvious(P < 0.05).Conclusion: 1.By examining synovial hyperplasia,synovitis,and articular effusion of the diseased joints of RA patients,MSUS can provide evidences for TCM syndrome differentiation of RA.2.The classification of TCM syndrome differentiation in RA is a comprehensive judgment based on the combination of the four diagnostic methods.As an objective proof,MSUS also have to combined with four diagnostic methods to differentiate syndrome accurately.3.Since MSUS is non-invasive,non-radiative,objective,convenient and repeatable,it can be used as a routine method for syndrome differentiation and condition assessment of RA.