Survival of AIDS Patients Treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine in Rural Central China: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2004–2012

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the survival of AIDS patients treated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in addition to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and of AIDS patients treated with cART. Data of patients taking cART between 30 October 2003 and 30 October 2004 in the National TCM HIV Treatment Trial Program area were retrospectively analyzed, with follow-up from 30 October 2004 to 30 October 2012. The log-rank test was used to compare survival between the two groups. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine hazard ratios to identify prognostic factors. The study included 521 patients in the TCM + cART group followed up for 3548 person-years and 375 patients in the cART group followed up for 2523 person-years. Mortality rates were 3.2/100 person-years and 4.2/100 person-years in the TCM + cART and cART groups, respectively. The difference in survival was significant. After adjusting for explanatory variables, the mortality rate of AIDS patients in the cART group was 1.7 times higher than in the TCM + cART group. Male sex, older age, little education, and lower CD4 cell count were risk factors for mortality. TCM intervention in addition to cART could increase survival of AIDS patients.

Determinants of Survival Among HIV/AIDS Patients With The Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy In Henan Province of China 

“…The result suggested CM combined with second-line ART could better increased the survival and lengthened the lifetime of HIV/AIDS patient. In Henan, CM treatment for AIDS for tens year, many effects of TCM on HIV/AIDS have been shown, such as reducing plasma HIV viral load, increasing CD4+ T cell counts, promoting immune reconstitution, ameliorating signs and symptoms, improving the health related quality of life, and counteracting the side effects of anti-retroviral drugs [29][30][31][32].…”

Integrated Scheme of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Delaying the Morbidity of HIV Infection: Study Protocol for a Multicentre, Randomised Controlled Trial

“…Several studies have shown that TCM can reduce drug side effects, improve the immune system, clinical symptoms, quality of life, and decrease mortality [4][5].Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality even in the current HIV treatment era, especially as patients age [6].Diarrhoea is one of the most common presenting complaints in HIV-infected patients. Since the rst AIDS cases were described, a high prevalence of gastrointestinal disturbance has been reported [7][8].Meanwhile, TCM is effective and safe for the treatment of asymptomatic AIDS [9][10][11][12][13].…”

Understanding the experiences and perception of people living with HIV on integrative traditional East Asian medicine management in Korea: an interview protocol for qualitative research

“… 17 18 As an alternative to this situation, integrative traditional East Asian medicine (ITEAM) is being used to manage these symptoms and prevent deterioration of QoL, with some significant medical effects. 19 There have been reports that acupuncture/moxibustion treatment alleviates accompanying symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy 20–22 and digestive disorders. 23 Some studies show that herbal medicine treatment is beneficial in enhancing immunity 24 25 or long-term survival rate.…”