Traditional
Chinese Medicine symptom characteristics and prescriptions in 196
patients withCOVID-19
from Wanzhou, Chongqing
ABSTRACT :Objective : Clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients differ in
regions. Our objective is to explore the characteristics of TCM symptoms
and prescriptions of COVID-19 patients in Wanzhou area of Chongqing.Methods : We investigated hospitalized cases of COVID-19 in
Wanzhou, Chongqing. The primary outcomes of interest were TCM symptoms
and prescriptions, while the secondary outcomes included chest computed
tomography
(CT),
white blood cell counts, lymphocyte levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP)
levels.Results : Among the 196 included patients with COVID-19,
the top five TCM symptoms were: poor appetite (82.14%), cough
(65.31%), fatigue (17.86%), aversion to cold (16.84%), and fever
(17.35%). Their five most common TCM prescriptions were: Sashen Radix
Ophipodonis Decoction (38.22%), Sijunzi Decoction (37.7%), Maxing
Shigan Decoction (31.94%), Sanren Decoction (15.71%), and Xiaochaihu
Decoction (12.04%). Participants’ TCM symptom scores before hospital
discharge were lower than on admission (P < 0.05).
There were also statistically significant differences in white blood
cell counts, lymphocyte levels, and CRP levels before or after discharge
from hospital as compared with before admission (P <
0.05).Conclusion :
The
dominant clinical symptoms of patients with COVID-19 in Chongqing were
poor appetite, cough, and fatigue, which may be related to the geography
and climate of Wanzhou. The TCM prescriptions given to the patients were
consistent with their most common symptoms and the fact that the lung
and spleen are the main viscera invaded by COVID-19. Traditional Chinese
Medicine may have a positive effect on patients with COVID-19.
Key words: COVID-19; Wanzhou district; Chongqing; TCM; TCM
symptoms; TCM prescriptions