The traditional Chinese medicine prescription patterns of Sjögren׳s patients in Taiwan: a population-based study

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), when given for symptom relief, have gained widespread popularity among Sjögren׳s patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the utilization of TCM among Sjögren׳s patients in Taiwan.

Materials and methods: The usage, frequency of service, and the Chinese herbal products prescribed among Sjögren׳s patients were evaluated in a cohort of 1,000,000 beneficiaries recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database. The logistic regression method was employed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for utilization of a TCM.

Results: More than 90% of Sjögren׳s patients received TCM out-patient services at least once during the study period. Patients with secondary Sjögren׳s syndrome were more likely to seek TCM treatment than those with primary Sjögren׳s syndrome. The aOR for those suffering from at least one rheumatologic disease was 1.56 (95% CI: 1.26-1.93), those with two rheumatologic diseases was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.29-3.04), while those with three or more rheumatologic diseases was 7.86 (95% CI: 1.09-56.58). Compared to Sjögren׳s patients who used no medical treatment, the aOR for those who took one type of conventional medication was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.25-1.92), those who took two types was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.60-2.47) while those who took three or more types was 2.91 (95% CI: 2.20-3.84). Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan (Lycium Berry, Chrysanthemum, and Rehmannia Pill) was the most frequently prescribed formula among Sjögren׳s patients.

Conclusion: Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan is the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula for Sjögren׳s syndrome and its effects should be taken into account by healthcare providers.

Keywords: Chinese herbal product; National Health Insurance Research Database; Prescription patterns; Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan; Sjögren׳s syndrome.