To observe the effects of Rhubarb Decoction combined with intradermal granule on bone marrow edema, finger microcirculation and Th17/Treg in peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis.

A total of 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated in the hospital from April 2022 to February 2024 were selected and divided into control group and observation group with 50 cases in each group by random number table method. Both groups were given basic symptomatic treatment, the control group was given granular intradermal acupuncture treatment on the basis of this treatment, and the observation group was given ultrasonic introduction therapy with rhubarb decoction on the basis of the control group. After 4 weeks of continuous treatment, the clinical efficacy of the control group and the observation group were compared. TCM syndrome score and wrist bone marrow edema score were observed before and after treatment, 6-point behavior score (BRS-6) and 28-point joint disease activity score (DAS-28) were performed. The vascular resistance index, vascular index, blood flow index and blood flow index of the middle nail bed artery of the patient were detected and calculated, and the levels of Th17/Treg, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), rheumatoid factor (RF) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected.

The total effective rate of Rhubarb Decoction combined with intradermal acupuncture group was 98.00%, and that of Western medicine group was 82.00%. The total effective rate of Rhubarb Decoction combined with intradermal acupuncture group was higher than that of Western medicine group (P < 0.05). Joint pain, fever, joint swelling, morning stiffness, joint fever, sweating, poor joint flexion and extension, and thirst score of Rhubarb Decoction combined with intradermal acupuncture group were lower than those of Western medicine group (P < 0.05). DAS28, bone marrow edema and BRS-6 scores of Rhubarb Decoction combined with intradermal acupuncture group were lower than those of western medicine group (P < 0.05). The fingernail bed artery resistance index of Rhubarb Decoction combined with intradermal acupuncture group was lower than that of Western medicine group (P < 0.05), and the vascular index, blood flow index and blood flow index of Rhubarb Decoction combined with intradermal acupuncture group were higher than that of Western medicine group (P <0.05). The contents of Th17/Treg, TNF-α, RF and ROS in Rhubarb Decoction combined with intradermal acupuncture group were lower than those in western medicine group (P < 0.05).

Rhubarb Decoction combined with granular intradermal acupuncture can regulate Th17/Treg balance, inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress, reduce bone marrow edema, improve finger microcirculation, relieve pain and improve clinical efficacy in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.