EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Lianhua Qingke Tablets (LHQKT) in reducing airway mucus hypersecretion and improving quality of life in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods: A total of 200 hospitalized AECOPD patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the control group or the treatment group. Baseline characteristics, clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and blood indices were compared between the two groups.

Results: Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups except for a significant difference in gender distribution (P < 0.05). After treatment, the observation group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores and sputum volume scores compared to the control group. Additionally, forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted (FEV1%pred) and partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) were significantly improved, and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) increased in the observation group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Inflammatory marker analysis revealed that only C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly reduced in the observation group (P < 0.05), with no statistically significant differences in other inflammatory markers. No differences were observed in safety indices between the two groups.

Conclusion: LHQKT effectively alleviated cough and sputum symptoms, improved pulmonary function and exercise tolerance, and enhanced quality of life in AECOPD patients, demonstrating a favorable safety profile.

 Keywords: Lianhua Qingke Tablets; Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD); Airway Mucus Hypersecretion

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