Efficacy of Self-Formulated Ergan Tang on Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients with Qi-Yin Deficiency: Impact on Inflammatory Marker Levels.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical efficacy of the self-formulated Ergan Tang on managing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) characterized by qi-yin deficiency among elderly patients. METHODS: A cohort of 40 elderly patients diagnosed with paroxysmal AF who spontaneously reverted to sinus rhythm were enrolled based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. These participants were randomly divided into two groups: self-formulated Ergan Tang group and amiodarone group. Following an 8-week treatment regimen, alterations in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, AF burden, and inflammatory factor levels were monitored in both groups. Furthermore, changes in these parameters were specifically analyzed before and after treatment with the self-formulated Ergan Tang. RESULTS: Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the self-formulated Ergan Tang group and the amiodarone group. Following an 8-week treatment period no significant disparities were observed in TCM symptom scores, AF burden, or AF recurrence rates at the 6-month follow-up between the two groups (P> 0.05). In the self-formulated Ergan Tang group, a notable reduction in TCM symptom scores was observed from 18.30 ± 2.96 to 9.45 ± 2.84 (P< 0.001) compared to the pre-treatment levels. Moreover, there was a significant decline in AF burden by 171.8% (P = 0.043). Inflammatory markers including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein exhibited substantial decreases (P< 0.05). Additionally, patients experienced a significant reduction in heart rate by 15.8% (P = 0.002) following treatment. CONCLUSION: The self-formulated Ergan Tang demonstrates efficacy in alleviating AF burden, reducing inflammatory factor levels, and improving TCM symptom scores among elderly patients with paroxysmal AF characterized by qi-yin deficiency. Notably, its efficacy is comparable to that of amiodarone.