Clinical Observation on Qi-Jun Xiao-Zhi Decoction Combined with Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease of Phlegm-Dampness Stagnation Type

Objective To observe the safety and efficacy of Qi-Jun Xiao-Zhi decoction and catgut implantation at acupoint in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) of the phlegm-dampness stagnation. Methods A total of 112 patients were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, 56 patients in each. The control group was treated with polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, and the observation group was treated with Qi-Jun Xiao-Zhi decoction and acupoint catgut embedding. The treatment course was 12 weeks for both groups. To observe the clinical symptoms and signs, liver function indices (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), blood lipid index (TG, TC), body mass index (BMI), liver/spleen CT value, quantitative diagnosis of liver fat [controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)], and adverse reactions were observed before treatment and at week 12. Results After treatment, the clinical symptoms were significantly improved in the treatment group, showing a statistical difference when compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT of the two groups were both decreased compared with those before intervention ( P < 0.05); the observation group was better than the control group ( P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglyceride (TG), and BMI were significantly lower than those before treatment, with statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05). The observation group was better than the control group ( P < 0.05). The liver/spleen CT value in both groups was ameliorated evidently ( P < 0.05), and the levels of quantitative diagnosis of liver fat (CAP) were significantly lower than those before treatment and in the observation group were significantly better than the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The effects of Qi-Jun Xiao-Zhi decoction and catgut implantation at acupoint in the treatment of MASLD of the phlegm-dampness stagnation type are significant and safe in antifibrosis, and it's worth spreading.