Abstract: LIANG Yun-sheng, ZHANG Gui-ying, WEN Hai-quan. Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China 【Abstract】 Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of total glucosides of paeony combined with ebastine for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Methods A randomized, open-labeled, positive drug-controlled, parallel-group study was carried out. Sixty patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria were randomly divided into two groups using a random digit table: combined group treated with total glucosides of paeony 600 mg thrice daily combined with ebastine 10 mg per day, control group treated with ebastine 10 mg per day only. The treatment lasted 12 weeks followed by a four-week follow-up． Adverse reactions were recorded and treatment efficacy was evaluated by using urticaria activity score over seven days （UAS7）. Results The UAS7 was 9.28 ± 4.59, 5.83 ± 4.44 and 7.52 ± 5.57 in the combined group on week 8, 12 after the initiation of treatment and week 4 after the withdrawal of treatment, respectively, significantly lower than that in the control group at the three time points （13.29 ± 4.72, P < 0.05; 9.86 ± 5.46, P < 0.01; 16.21 ± 5.34, P < 0.01）. Significant differences were observed in the response rate between the combined group and control group at the end of the 12-week treatment （75.9% vs. 42.9%, χ2 = 4.56, P < 0.05）. There was a decreased recurrence rate in the combined group combined with the control group at the end of the follow-up （13.6% vs. 50.0%, χ2 = 3.90, P < 0.05）. No obvious adverse reactions were noted in either of the two groups. Conclusion Total glucosides of paeony could markedly enhance the efficacy of ebastine for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria with a reduction in recurrence rate.

Key words: ebastine