Effects of Xuanbi Qingfei Decoction Combined with Antibiotics in the Treatment of Severe Pneumonia in the Elderly

HU Xuesong; WU Longchuan

doi:10.14033/j.cnki.cfmr.2025.19.012

Abstract：Objective:To explore the efficacy of Xuanbi Qingfei Decoction combined with antibiotics in treating severe pneumonia in the elderly.Method:From June 2022 to June 2024,84 elderly patients with severe pneumonia from Medical School of Yangzhou University were included.According to the coin throwing method,the patients were divided into test group(42 cases)and control group(42 cases).The control group received standard antibiotic therapy,while the trial group received Xuanbi Qingfei Decoction in addition to the standard treatment.The treatment period was 14 days.Differences in treatment efficacy,Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,lung function,inflammatory markers,and disease severity[Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)scores]between the two groups were compared.Result:The overall effectiveness rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no significant difference in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the experimental group showed lower scores in symptoms such as cough,fever,yellow or blood-tinged sputum,wheezing,chest tightness,and dry mouth compared to before treatment,and these scores were also lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no significant difference in lung function levels between the two groups(P>0.05);however,after treatment,the experimental group showed higher FEV1,FVC,FEV1/FVC,PEF,and MVV than before treatment and higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no significant difference in CRP and PCT levels,and APACHE Ⅱ scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the experimental group had lower CRP and PCT levels,and APACHE Ⅱ scores compared to before treatment,and also lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Xuanbi Qingfei Decoction combined with antibiotics significantly enhances treatment efficacy,improves lung function and TCM syndrome scores,effectively reduces levels of inflammatory markers and the severity of the disease,and is well-tolerated in elderly patients with severe pneumonia.