This study evaluated the effect of Guo Qing Yi Tang (GQYT) combined with Western medicine cluster therapy on acute pancreatitis (AP).

A total of 138 AP patients were recruited and divided into the observation group (68 patients) and control group (70 patients). The control group was treated with cluster therapy alone, while the observation group was treated with trans-jejunum feeding of GQYT combined with cluster therapy. Blood samples were taken before the treatment and 24 h, 72 h, and 1 week after the treatment. The serum concentrations of Di amine oxidase(DAO), Endotoxin(ET), D-lactic acid, Intestinal trefoil factor(ITF), MFG-E8, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were determined by using spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The concentrations of urinary lactulose and mannitol (L/M) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the urinary L/M value was calculated.

Compared with the control group, the observation group had shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, significantly lower APACHE II score, and higher complete response rate (94.12%) after 1 week of treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the indicators related to intestinal mucosal barrier function (DAO, MFG-8, L/M) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) were significantly reduced in the observation group after 1 week of treatment (P < 0.05).

GQYT combined with cluster therapy for the treatment of AP has definite curative effect and rapid onset, reduces the level of inflammatory factors, and improves intestinal mucosal barrier function and APACHE II score. Thus, it has obvious clinical therapeutic advantages and can be used as a new therapeutic regimen for AP.