Rikkunshito Improves the Nausea, Vomiting and Anorexia Induced with the Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Abstract

The aim of this study is to retrospectively examine the efficacy of rikkunshito in comparison with shohangekabukuryoto and metoclopramide, administered to patients with hyperemesis gravidarum, using with the emesis index (EI) proposed by Kitagawa, et al. Total EI score for all groups was decreased with the passage of time, although EI in the rikkunshito group at day 7 was significantly lower than that of the other shohangekabukuryoto and metoclopramide groups. All nausea, vomiting and anorexia, scores were significantly lower in the rikkunshito group. These results suggest that rikkunshito is as effective in hyperemesis gravidarum as shohangekabukuryoto and metoclopramide are, and more effective for the gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea and vomiting, anorexia. The group in which rikkunshito was ineffective tended have a higher qi counterflow score, thus treatment modifications with qi circulating medicine would be required in accordance with sho patterns.