Objective To compare the effects between electroacupuncture(EA)plus western medicine and simple western medicine in improving clinical symptoms and local joint function of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)patients with yin deficiency of Liver and Kidney.Methods A total of 68 RA patients of yin deficiency of Liver and Kidney were equally randomized into EA+medication group and medication group(n=34in each group).Both groups were given once-a-week methotrexate(7.5mg/time)and once-a-day leflunomide(10mg/time)

while EA+medication group was additionally treated by EA at bilateral Ganshu(BL 18)

Shenshu(BL 23)

Xuanzhong(GB 39)

Zusanli(ST 36)

Taichong(LR 3)

Hegu(LI 4)3times/week.The treatment lasted for 12 weeks.The visual analogue scale(VAS

for assessing rest pain)

swollen joint count(SJC)

tender joint count(TJC)

patient's global assessment(PGA)

physician's global assessment(PhGA)

traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom scoring

28 joints activity index(disease activity score

DAS 28)

American College of Rheumatology 20(ACR 20

i.e.20% of clinical improving rate)

and health assessment questionnaire(HAQ)were assessed and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)

serum C-reactive protein(CRP)levels were examined for comparison.Results Statistical differences were observed in before-after-treatment comparisons in both groups in reducing rest pain

SJC

TJC

serum CRP content

PGA and PhGA

HAQ scoring and DAS 28(P<0.05

P<0.01).The ESR in the medication group and TCM symptom scoring of the EA+medication group were also significantly decreased after the treatment(P<0.05).The effects of the EA+medication group were superior to those of the medication group in reducing rest pain

SJC

TJC

TCM symptom and HAQ score

and the total effetive rate(P<0.05

90.9% vs 66.67%).Adverse reactions as pharyngeal obstruction sensation

anorexia

abdominal distension

etc.can be reduced by EA therapy coordinated with western medicine.Conclusion EA is effective in relieving symptom and joint function in RA patients with yin deficiency of Liver and Kidney.