Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2026 Jul;51(13):3899-3910. doi: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20260401.501.
ABSTRACT
Using multiple statistical methods, this study investigated the core diagnostic information from the four diagnostic methods, the distribution patterns of syndrome elements, and their relationship with laboratory biochemical indicators in diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN). The aim is to deepen the understanding of the disease-symptom-syndrome relationship in DPN. A retrospective study was conducted on 1 420 inpatients diagnosed with DPN patients at the Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, from June 2014 and June 2023. Data mining techniques, including frequency statistics, association rule analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and Bayesian network analysis, were applied to examine general patient information, TCM diagnostic data from the four diagnostic methods, and laboratory biochemical indicators. The core clinical manifestations in DPN patients were dry mouth, limb numbness, blurred vision, fatigue, thirst, and a thready pulse. Association rule analysis indicated Yin deficiency leading to blood stasis is the core pathogenesis. Factor analysis indicated that the disease location primarily involved the spleen, kidney, and liver, while main disease nature elements were Yin deficiency, Qi deficiency, and blood stasis, often complicated by concomitant phlegm turbidity, Yang deficiency, and essence depletion. Cluster analysis identified five syndrome patterns: Yin deficiency with blood stasis syndrome, Qi deficiency with blood stasis syndrome, Yang deficiency with cold aggregation syndrome, phlegm stasis obstructing collateral syndrome, and liver-kidney deficiency syndrome. Among these, Yin deficiency with blood stasis syndrome and Qi deficiency with blood stasis syndrome were the most prevalent. Bayesian network analysis revealed associations between abnormal fasting blood glucose(FBG) and symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness, insomnia, and constipation. Abnormal glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) was associated with frequent urination, polyphagia, polydipsia, thirst and dry mouth. Abnormal total cholesterol(TC) was linked to emaciation, fear of cold and cold limbs, and a weak pulse. Abnormal serum creatinine(SCr) was associated with slow reaction, a wiry pulse, and limb pain. The distribution of TCM syndromes in DPN primarily involves Yin deficiency with blood stasis syndrome and Qi deficiency with blood stasis syndrome. The core pathogenesis is Yin deficiency leading to blood stasis, with the disease location in the spleen, kidney, and liver. The identified associations between FBG, HbA1c, TC, SCr and specific TCM syndromes provide an objective basis for the microscopic syndrome differentiation of DPN and its integrated diagnosis and treatment combining Chinese and western medicine.
PMID:42543379 | DOI:10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20260401.501
