Question
The creatinine and urea nitrogen levels are high. Chinese medicine has been taken, but there has been no improvement in the condition. How should it be handled?
Answer
According to the latest medical findings, the cause of nephritis and nephrotic syndrome is due to the formation of immune complexes after the body’s immune cells engulf pathogens such as hemolytic streptococci and viruses. These immune complexes then deposit on the filtration membrane of the glomerular basement membrane, fail to be eliminated in time, and trigger a series of clinical pathophysiological immune responses including proteinuria, hematuria, edema, and hypertension. Current conventional treatment methods include the use of steroids (hormones), cyclophosphamide, and tripterygium, among other drugs. Although these medications temporarily control urine protein levels, they reduce immunity and do not exclude the immune complexes that have deposited on the glomerular basement membrane. Therefore, patients are prone to form new immune complexes due to infections after discontinuing medication or reducing dosage, leading to a relapse or worsening of the condition. Latest research has found that increasing the number of lymphocytes and complement activity in the human body can help dissolve immune complexes and achieve the goal of treating the cause of nephritis. By using medications such as Jishu Pian, it is possible to effectively control the clinical symptoms of nephritis and nephrotic syndrome without toxic or side effects on the liver and kidneys. Jishu Pian is mainly composed of plants with medicinal and food properties such as Gastrodia elata Blume, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Plantago asiatica L., and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. It has effects such as replenishing blood, dilating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, diuresis and reducing edema, as well as invigorating Qi, which can effectively control symptoms such as proteinuria, hematuria, and edema.