Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with patent herbal drug (Zhen Ren Yi Zhi Bao

Treasured Drug for improving intelligence) on the intelligence quotient (IQ) and adaptive behavior quotient (ADQ) in infant patients with Down's Syndrome. Methods: Fifty child patients with Down's Syndrome (mongolism) were randomly divided into acupuncture plus medication (n=30) and medication (n=20) groups. For patients of acupuncture plus medication group

Zhisanzhen (point 1: the cross-point between the forehead hair border and the midline of the head; point 2 and 3: 3 cun left and right to point 1)

Sishenzhen 4 points 1.5 cun left

right

superior and inferior respectively to Baihui (GV 20)

Naosanzhen Naohu (GV 17)

bilateral Naokong (GB 19)

Shouzhizhen Neiguan (PC 6)

Shenmen (HT 7) and Laogong (PC 8)

Hegu (LI 4)

etc were punctured

once daily

5 times a week. For medication

patients of two groups were asked to take Zhen Ren Yi Zhi Bao

2-3 granules/time (b.i.d.)

with 1 month being a therapeutic course

two courses altogether. The interval between two courses was one month. IQ and ADQ tests were conducted before and after the treatment. Results: After the treatment

both IQ and ADQ in acupuncture plus medication group all increased obviously (IQ: 60.58±7.46 vs 51.27±5.55; ADQ: 61.96±6.67 vs 52.42±5.47

P<0.01)

while in medication group

both IQ and ADQ increased significantly (IQ: 56.40±6.92 vs 51.55±5.90; ADQ: 58.35±6.24 vs 53.25±5.27

P<0.01). Comparison between two groups showed that the increased fraction of IQ and ADQ of acupuncture plus medication group were significantly higher than those of medication group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with Zhen Ren Yi Zhi Bao can significantly improve IQ and ADQ of patients with Down's syndrome

and the therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus medication is markedly better than that of simple medication.