Efficacy of total glucosides of paeony on Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a propensity-matched study

Abstract

Abstract Background To evaluate the real-world efficacy of total peony glycoside (TGP) treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of TGP (administered for a minimum of 3 months) in SLE patients hospitalized to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between 2009 and 2021, using propensity score matching method. A total of 244 patients were included, of which differences in variables between the TGP-treated and non-TGP-treated groups were compared. To minimize the effect of confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied. Results Baseline variables were similar between the TGP and non-TGP groups, except for lower rates of cyclophosphamide and tripterygium glycoside administration in the TGP group. The median follow-up times for the two groups were 28.9 and 24.8 months, respectively. Compared with the control group, TGP treatment resulted in significantly improved musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous involvement. Meanwhile, patients in the TGP group exhibited elevated serum albumin levels and reduced total bile acid levels even after adjustment (OR = 2.43 and 2.44, p < 0.01). Conclusion TGP has shown potential beneficial in certain SLE patients, particularly those with musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous manifestations, as well as individuals liver dysfunction. Trial registration The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (No. 2022-220-02).