Study On TCM Syndrome Of Metabolic Syndrome: A Primary Investigation

Objective:To refer and classify metabolic syndrome by concept and theory of TCM syndrome; to analyse the potential etiology, pathogenesis and the relationship among them.Methods:The study runs on four steps which are the expert interview, expert questionnaire, making the "Investigation Table of TCM Syndromes of MS" and the cross-sectional study.Firstly,34 TCM specialists from the different regions were selected by purposive sampling to accept individual in-depth interview on "disease name, syndrome, etiology and pathogenesis, treatment of MS in TCM".Secondly, Delphi method was adopted to conduct the specialist questionnaire survey on "disease name, syndrome, etiology and pathogenesis, treatment of MS in TCM".Tirdly, based on the interviews and questionnaire surveying results, TCM items were confirmed and "Investigation Table of TCM Syndromes of MS" was made.Last but not least,the cross-sectional study was conducted in Benxi,Liaoning province with the uniformed investigation table.310 MS cases were collected with 55 healthy donors as a control.General information,medical and family history,TCM symptoms and physical signs were surveyed,some clinical diagnostic parameters were examined such as FPQTG etc. SPSS 17.0 and LISREL 8.7 software were used. The statistical analysis was processed by a series of algorithms:frequency analysis, univariate analysis, factor analysis, structural equation modeling.Results:According to the experts interview and questionnaire study,we confirmed the items including the clinical information,physical examination,etc. Integrated with experts' viewpoints,we designed "Investigation Table of TCM Syndromes of MS",which included six parts.Based on the frequency analysis and univariate analysis,40 TCM symptoms and physical signs and 11 tongue and pulse were selected to be analysed by EFA and CFA. According to the results of EFA and CFA and the advice from TCM specialists,five- factor-model gained more preference.They are named by terminology of TCM syndromes.Factor 1 and 4 were combined and then TCM syndromes of MS and their major symptoms were concluded as follows:(1) Syndrome of retention of phlegm with heat:the principal symptoms concluding large food intake with rapid hungering,thirst with linking for fluids,rapid pulse,yellow tongue and greasy fur.(2) Syndrome of phlegm with spleen qi deficiency:the principal symptoms concluding heavy cumbersome limbs,mental fatigue and weakness,drowsiness,dry mouth without drinking,loose stool,heavy head as if wrapped,distention and fullness in the stomach,distension in the abdomen,postcibal abdominal fullness,ructus.(3) Syndrome of effulgent heart and liver fire:the principal symptoms concluding fullness in head,tinnitus,rashness,profuse dreaming,vexing heat in chest,palms and soles,frequent sighing,dizziness,rib-side distention and pain.(4) Syndrome of liver and kidney yin deficiency:the principal symptoms concluding aching lumbus and limp knees,cramp,night sweat,amnesia,dysacousis,pain and numbness of limbs.Conclusion:The TCM syndromes of MS are classified with four types:syndrome of retention of phlegm with heat,syndrome of phlegm with spleen qi deficiency,syndrome of effulgent heart and liver fire,syndrome of liver and kidney yin deficiency.