Moxibustion on Governor Vessel for ankylosing spondylitis due to kidney yang deficiency: a clinical controlled study

Objective To observe the clinical effect of moxibustion on Governor Vessel for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) due to kidney yang deficiency. Methods A total of 60 patients of AS due to kidney yang deficiency were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group by random digital table, 30 cases in each group. Both of the two groups were treated by oral administration of Sulfasalazine tablets. Additionally, the treatment group was given moxibustion on Governor Vessel, and the control group was given sham moxibustion. The treatment was given once every other day, 4 weeks constituted one course, 2 courses in total. Before treatment, after 1-course and 2-course treatments, the quantified scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and the symptoms scores recommended by AS International Society [including Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), visual analogue scale (VAS), Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI)] were respectively observed and recorded, and the change of safety item was monitored. Results After 1-course and 2-course treatments, the quantified scores of TCM syndromes were obviously improved than those before treatment in the two groups ( P <0.05), and the score was improved better in the treatment group than that in the control group ( P <0.05). In comparison within the group, there were no statistical differences between the scores after 1-course treatment and 2-course treatment in the two groups ( P >0.05). After 1-course treatment, the items of the symptoms scores were improved than those before treatment in the two groups ( P <0.05). After 2-course treatment, the therapeutic effect was more remarkable in the treatment group, with a statistical difference between the two groups ( P <0.05). During treatment, no obvious abnormality in all safety items was noticed in the two groups. Conclusion Moxibustion on Governor Vessel can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of AS patients, without obvious adverse reaction.