Clinical Study on Anorexia Formula Combined with Acupuncture at Sifeng Points in Treating Pediatric Anorexia with Deficiency Interweaved with Excess Syndrome
Abstract: Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Anorexia Formula combined with acupuncture at Sifeng (EX-UE10) points in treating pediatric anorexia with deficiency interweaved with excess syndrome and its effects on serum levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and leptin (LEP). Methods: A total of 80 children with anorexia treated at the Han's Pediatric Clinic of Xiaoshan Hospital Affiliated to Hangzhou Normal University from January 2023 to August 2024 were selected and divided into the control group and the treatment group according to the random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. The control group received Zinc Gluconate Granules, while the treatment group received Anorexia Formula combined with acupuncture at Sifeng (EX-UE10) points. Both groups were treated for two months. The clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, and changes in serum NPY and LEP levels were compared between the two groups. Results:The total effective rate in the treatment group was 87.5% (35/40), significantly higher than that in the control group (67.5%, 27/40) (P<0.05). After treatment, scores for syndomes such as poor appetite, reduced food intake, abdominal pain, belching, abdominal distension,fatigue,and pale complexion decreased in both groups compared to before treatment (P<0.05),with the treatment group showing lower scores than the control group for all syndomes except abdominal pain (P<0.05). The scores for nausea, vomiting, and irregular bowel movements decreased in the treatment group compared to before treatment (P<0.05) and were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in these scores in the control group before and after treatment (P>0.05). After treatment,the serum NPY and LEP levels increased in both groups compared to before treatment (P<0.05), with the treatment group showing higher levels than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Anorexia Formula combined with acupuncture at Sifeng (EX-UE10) points is effective in treating pediatric anorexia. It significantly improves TCM syndomes,regulates NPY and LEP levels,and enhances appetite.