Title : The status of hemodialysis and the application of traditional chinese medicine in Taiwan
Abstract:
Background: Taiwan has the highest prevalence of hemodialysis worldwide, with approximately 100,000 patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis annually. During the hemodialysis procedure, the rapid removal of small molecules such as electrolytes and urea nitrogen can lead to significant fluctuations in blood osmotic pressure, acid-base balance, and body fluids. Hypotension is the most common complication during hemodialysis. If excessive fluid is removed during dialysis, rapid changes in fluid volume can easily cause muscle cramps and pain. Clinical symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and tremors are also common in patients undergoing dialysis for the first time. Uremic pruritus often becomes more pronounced during dialysis, and chest pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath are also commonly observed in patients with cardiovascular disease during dialysis.
Methods: Physicians regularly visit the dialysis center to assess patients' needs. Based on the patients' clinical data and according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Chinese herbal medicine or acupuncture treatments are administered.
Results: Currently, TCM therapies have shown relatively good efficacy in treating hypotension, pruritus, and anemia. Based on years of experience and observation, fixed Chinese herbal formulas and commonly used acupoints have been identified to alleviate patients' complications. Current research has found that acupuncture at the antipruritic acupoint can improve pruritus, and a pruritus scale is used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. We have also found that taking Chinese herbal medicine can increase hemoglobin levels and avoid blood transfusions. It has also been observed that regular use of Chinese herbal medicine significantly reduces the frequency of calf muscle cramps.
Conclusion: TCM has unique advantages and potential in hemodialysis care. We believe that through continuous scientific research and clinical practice, TCM will play a more important role in the field of hemodialysis and bring healthier and more comfortable lives to patients.
