A Randomized Trial of Ligustrazini Hydrochlorioi in the Treatment of Viral Encephalitis in Children
Introduction: Chuanxiong is a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for the Treatment of viralencephalitis. In animal studies it has shown to inhibit the synthesis and activity of Thromboxane (TXA2)and abate the imbalance between Thromboxane (TXA2) and Prostacyclin (PGI2). As a result, cerebraledema, ischemia and hypoxia could be improved. The aim of this study is to evaluate its effect in thetreatment of viral encephalitis in children. Methodology: Ninety-nine patients with viral encephalitiswere randomly divided into two groups. Ligustrazini Hydrochlorioi (LH) consisting of 51 cases (males30, females 21; age 5 years and nine month ±8 years and 2month) was given LH 4mg/kg per day in 100-300mls of 10% glucose and infused intravenously over a three to four hour period, for 7 days as a courseof treatment. A control groups of 48 cases (males 31, females 17; age 5 years and three month ±4 yearsand three month) received the conventional treatment of Vitamin C(2.0-3.0g), Coenzyme A(100u) andAdenosine Triphosphate (ATP) (40mg) in 100-300 mls of 10% glucose infused intravenously daily for 7days. Results: The total response rate in the LH group and the control group were 94.12% and 68.75%respectively (u=3.271 p<0.05). The average time to improvement was 4.29±1.41 days and 7.31±2.66days respectively. No adverse effect was observed in both groups. Conclusion: We conclude that LH isan effective, safe and well tolerated treatment for children encephalitis.Key words: Cerebral Oedema; Encephalitis; Ligustrazini HydrochlorioiDOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i2.3451J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. May-August, 2010 Vol 30(2) 119-122