Efficacy of TCM therapy of tonifying lung–kidney's Qi-deficiency in a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A case report

This study reports a new treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, for tonifying Qi-deficiency of lung–kidney in a 64-year-old patient with IPF. Patient concerns: A 64-year-old man, who complained of cough and asthma, was diagnosed as IPF with mild impairment in lung function by thoracic high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function test. He received an 18-month N-acetylcysteine monotherapy but had no improvement in lung function. Diagnoses: IPF with mild impairment in lung function was diagnosed. Interventions: The Chinese herbal medicine composition was decocted in 300 ml water for oral administration with 150 ml decoction twice daily in June 2017. Outcomes: The pulmonary function test showed that diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide had increased to 81% of predicted back to normal after 2-month TCM monotherapy. And diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide had increased to 89% of predicted, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio increased to 92% at 14-month follow-up. No adverse events occurred during the 14 months of therapy and observation. Lessons: The treatment by TCM therapy of tonifying lung–kidney's Qi-deficiency for IPF can improve the pulmonary function and reverse disease progression; it may be considered as a complementary treatment for IPF with mild-to-moderate impairment. However, the insights provided in this case report require further exploration and verification.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Research Article: Clinical Case Report Source Type: research